Pujara slams maiden century in county cricket

Cheteshwar Pujara scored the 27th first-class century of his career and the first one in county cricket as Derbyshire seized the initiative against Leicestershire in a Division Two encounter in Derby, on Thursday.

Pujara, who was given out for 'handling the ball' in the first innings was at his fluent best as he hit 15 boundaries and a big six off left-arm spinner James Sykes to remain unbeaten on even 100 as Derbyshire scored 372 for three in their second innings.

Pujara has hit unbeaten scores of 90 and 100 in two successive games.

The moment Pujara got a single off left-arm seamer Rob Taylor to complete a well-deserved maiden ton in English county, Derbyshire captain Wayne Madsen decided to declare the innings leaving Leicestershire with a mammoth target of 541 to win.

The Indian had two major partnerships of 131 runs for the thid wicket with Ben Slater and 82 for the fourth wicket with Wes Durston (40).

Pujara's compatriot Varun Aaron had a quiet game for Durham as he took two for 81 in 25.3 overs against Warwickshire, a match which Indian speedster's team lost by an innings and 13 runs.

Image: Cheteshwar Pujara.

Photograph: Clint Hughes/Getty Images