Bomb Gambhir century puts India in control..

Opening batsman Gautam Gambhir struck a career-best unbeaten 149 to propel India to 296-3 on an ill-tempered first day of the third Test.

Gambhir put on 130 runs with Sachin Tendulkar (68) and also shared 139 runs with Venkatsai Laxman (54 not out) for the unbroken fourth wicket after the hosts were reeling at 27-2 in the morning session. The opener, who bettered his previous-best knock of 139 against Bangladesh, was involved in verbal sparring with the tourists, who must avoid defeat here if they are to keep alive their chances of retaining the Border-Gavaskar trophy.