Kolkata, Nov 14: Rahul Dravid hit his 36th Test century as India moved into a strong position in the second Test of the three-match series against the West Indies. Dravid’s century helped India post a mammoth 346 for the loss of five wickets on Day 1 of the Eden Test.

It was a day that went India’s way from the very beginning. After MS Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat first, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir helped India reach the 50-run mark in just 10.2 overs. The pair added 66 for the opening wicket before Virender Sehwag was out first ball after the drinks break hitting a Darren Sammy delivery straight to Adrian Barath at short mid-wicket.

Gambhir and Rahul Dravid then put on 83 for the second wicket as India went past the 100-run mark in just 20.4 overs. Gambhir even brought up his 17th Test half-century along the way but was eventually dismissed on 65 offering a straightforward catch to Adrian Barath at short cover off the bowling of Fidel Edwards. India were 149 for two at the fall of Gambhir’s wicket.

Sachin Tendulkar (38) dispelled hopes of that elusive hundredth 100 shortly before tea, out caught by Marlon Samuels at midwicket off Devendra Bishoo, the visitors’ legspinner.

However, Dravid and VVS Laxman anchored India to a position of strength after Tendulkar’s dismissal. The pair struck a 140-run partnership for the fourth wicket that saw the total swell past 300.

Dravid eventually brought up his century, his fifth this year, but was dismissed on 119 playing a delivery from Kraigg Brathwaite onto his stumps. Nightwatchman Ishant Sharma (0), too, was dismissed before close of play on Day 1. VVS Laxman (73*) remained unbeaten at stumps.

Brief scores: India 1st innings 346/5 in 87.3 overs (Rahul Dravid 119, VVS Laxman 73*, Gautam Gambhir 65, Fidel Edwards 1/45)