Watson hits ton before Zaheer strikes

Shane Watson made the most of two dropped catches to score a century as Australia posted 224-5 in their first innings at stumps on the opening day of the first Test against India on Friday.

The Australian opener, let off on nought and 37, made an unbeaten 101 for his second Test hundred to help his side recover from an early blow with a 141-run stand for the second wicket with skipper Ricky Ponting (71).

Watson, who cracked a century in each innings of a practice game before the Test, completed his hundred in the final session when he turned off-spinner Harbhajan Singh to deep square-leg for two runs.

He has so far cracked eight fours in his 279-ball knock. Tim Paine was the other not-out batsman on one.

India did not allow Australia to seize the initiative despite Watson's hundred as left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan grabbed three big wickets, including two in the final session.MOHALI, India, Oct 1, 2010, AFP