Hyderabad, Aug 23: New Zealand pacer Trent Boult was ecstatic at getting the prized wicket of Sachin Tendulkar but rued that they could not rein in the Indian youngsters, who steered the hosts to an assuring score on the opening day of the first Test, here today.
India were placed at a comfortable 307 for five with Cheteshwar Pujara scoring an unbeaten 119.
“It was a obviously a huge wicket of Sachin. It is something I will always remember. After all he is one of the best players of world cricket. It was special to get Tendulkar out. It (ball) got in and I was lucky to sneak through his defence. It is a huge honour,” Boult said.
Boult was the most successful Kiwi bowler with two wickets at the expense of 63 runs.
Pujara got good support from Virat Kohli (58) as they duo put on a fine 125-run fifth-wicket partnership to help India go past the 300-run lark as the hosts lost experienced campaigners in Gautam Gambhir (22), Virender Sehwag (47) and Sachin Tendulkar (19) early.
Boult said his side should have dominated after dismissing India's top batsmen early but for some good show by the young Indian batsmen, specially Pujara.
“It was an awesome innings. He (Pujara) is very patient and played well. I think India batted well. They played attacking brand of cricket at the start and we took early wickets of the big guns. The plan was to put pressure on younger players and we had a big opportunity to cash in but we missed the bus there.”
The left-arm pacer however said that the game is pretty balanced and they would look to stage a come back tomorrow.
“The first hour tomorrow morning will be a big opportunity to go at the batsmen and get a couple of wickets. The first hour wicket will be a different. It was a very hot day in different conditions. The game is still very balanced.”
