Kolkata: West Indies opener Wavell Hinds said on Thursday his century against India in the third and final Test was very special for him.
"I rate this hundred very highly because it came away from home. It is a great feeling," said the 26-year-old Jamaican left-hander, who scored 100 as his team reached 189-3 at stumps on the second day in reply to India's 358. Hinds's previous two Test centuries in 26 matches came at home as he slammed 165 against Pakistan at Bridgetown in Barbados in 1999-2000 and 113 against India at Kingston in Jamaica in May this year. "It was something special because the last two centuries had come at home," said Hinds, who put on 172 for the opening wicket with fellow-Jamaican Chris Gayle (80 not out). This was the second century stand between the left-handers this year following their 111-run partnership against India in the fifth and last Test at Kingston. Hinds said determination was the key to his batting success at Eden Gardens. "I was focussed to do well here," said Hinds, whose previous best in the last four Test innings against the hosts was 61 in the second match at Chennai. "I played each ball on merit. It was a good batting wicket and did not have as much bounce as the pitches in the previous two Tests. There was not much turn for spinners, at least on Thursday. "I was very positive and that gave me energy and strength to bat well. I am enjoying my role as an opener and it is a privilege to open for the West Indies." Hinds, who scored his maiden Test century against Pakistan as a top-order batsman, gave his team a chance to put pressure on India for the first time in a three-Test series with his 201-ball knock. The hosts have already clinched the series with victories in the first two Tests at Mumbai and Chennai.
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