Yuvraj shines as India in control

BANGALORE, India -- Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh hit magnificent centuries as India bounced back from a nightmare opening session to finish the first day of the third Test against Pakistan in Bangalore on 365 for five.

Ganguly finished unbeaten on 125 but it was Yuvraj, who struck 169, who stole the show following his recall to the Test team.

India, 1-0 up in the series heading into the final Test, were without Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni who were not risked due to knee and ankle injuries respectively.

Anil Kumble elected to bat first after winning the toss but that decision appeared to backfire as the India top order went cheaply.

Test debutant Yasir Arafat enjoyed a dream start to his five-day career as he took three India wickets in the opening session.

Only eight runs were on the board when Gautam Gambhir was dismissed for five after edging a Mohammad Sami delivery that was taken by a diving Kamran Akmal.

Arafat snared his first wicket with the India total at 44 when Rahul Dravid (19) got a thick edge on an attempted cut which carried to Misbah-ul-Haq at first slip.

Wasim Jaffer, who hit a double-century in Kolkota, survived a dropped catch by Sami while he was still on two but was dismissed lbw for 17 after failing to offer a stroke on a full Arafat delivery that swung in sharply on his pads.

VVS Laxman then became Arafat's third victim shortly before the lunch break when he was bowled for five to leave India floundering at 61 for four.

But Ganguly and Yuvraj then took control, sharing an amazing 300-run stand for the fifth wicket. Ganguly completed his 15th Test century and Yuvraj his maiden 150 before the partnership was eventually broken when Yuvraj was caught at gully by Faisal Iqbal off Sami.

Dinesh Karthik saw out the rest of the day with Ganguly and finished on three not out. E-mail to a friend