I want to dedicate century to father, hope he’s proud, states Hanuma Vihari
Hanuma Vihari has stated he was really anxious to get a maiden century after having had a good start to the previous day and paid tribute to his father who had passed away when he was young. He further credited Ishant Sharma for the support he provided and heaped praise on Bumrah.
Having come to the crease on day one when India needed someone in the middle-order to score big and help the team post a good score, Rishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari looked to be the men for the job as they were sharing a 62 run stand at the end of play. However, Pant gave away his wicket on the second day’s first ball, before Ravindra Jadeja too fell cheaply leaving Vihari to bat with the tail. Surprisingly, Ishant Sharma brought put the batsman in him as he scored his first half-century in 12 years to provide support to Vihari who ended up being the team’s top scorer.
"When I was batting overnight on 42, I didn't sleep well. All I was thinking about was how to get a big score. Happy that I got a century and credit should go to Ishant. He looked more like a batsman today than me. The way he was going, we kept discussing what the bowler was doing and his experience really helped," Hanuma Vihari was quoted saying by Cricbuzz.
His 111 was his maiden century in the format in what was only his sixth cap. He seemed to almost always get good starts as is evident by his average of 40-plus, yet lacked the instinct to convert it into a century. The same had happened in the first Test, when he had been eliminated from the crease in his 90s, just seven short of a century.
"Really happy that I was able to get my first ton. At Lunch I was on 84, and it took me a while to get to a hundred. Credit to the bowler, they were bowling really well. It was challenging and I am really happy. My dad passed away when I was 12. So I had decided when I get my first international century, I want to dedicate it to him. Today is an emotional day and I hope he's proud." he added.
The 25-year-old interestingly is yet to play a home match, with all his six appearances having come on foreign soil.
"It's been challenging because all my Tests have been away. I am the sort of person who relishes challenges. Playing away is a tough challenge and I want to do it for my team. I am happy that I am going in the right direction," he said.
The day ended with India in complete control after they reduced the hosts to 87/7. Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers, picking up six wickets including a hattrick in what was an unplayable spell.
"We bowled brilliantly and Bumrah was exceptional. We have to get them all out as soon as possible. Any opposition will tell that they fear facing Bumrah. We enjoy watching him bowl and I know he has a long career ahead," Vihari signed off.
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