Jaffer, Gambir give India a solid start

Leicester, Aug 4 (UNI) Wasim Jaffer missed a half-century while Gautam Gambhir was nearing one as the duo added 85 runs for the second wicket, helping India reach a healthy 127 for two at lunch on Day Two of the three-day match against Sri Lanka 'A' today.

Jaffer played well before getting out for 48 while Gambhir was not out on 45 as India looked all set to overhaul the Lankan first innings total of 266. Rahul Dravid was occupying the crease at 10.

Resuming the day at 25 for one, Jaffer looked a great touch: solid in defence, occasionally punishing the bolwers for loose balls.

Gambhir, on the other hand, was tentative in the beginning but found his touch soon. Both the players took the score past 100 before Akalanka Ganegama caught Jaffer off Hearth. India were 105 when the Mumbaikar departed.

Brief Scores (Lanka A 266 all out, Ranadeb Bose 5 for 51; India 127 for two; Jaffer 48, Gambhir 45*) UNI