Shiv Sunder Das made a strong case for a recall to India's Test team with an unbeaten 165 against Essex at Chelmsford. Das hit a six and 25 fours in a 260-ball knock that provided the backbone of the tourists' first innings after Sourav Ganguly chose to bat. At the close India had made 331 for six.

Das put on 60 for the first wicket with Sanjay Bangar before he was bowled by James Middlebrook for 21. Virender Sehwag compiled a characteristically rapid 37 at nearly a run a ball before he was lbw to Middlebrook.

The main stand of the innings was between Das and VVS Laxman, who added 85 before Laxman was caught by Darren Robinson off Joe Grant for 46 (69 balls, eight fours). Wasim Jaffer, who would be the man to miss out should Das be recalled for the Headingley Test, made 19 before he was caught behind off Middlebrook.

Parthiv Patel again made a good impression following his match-saving contribution at Trent Bridge two days ago. He made 32 (60 balls, five fours) and added 76 with Das before he was caught behind off Grant. Ajay Ratra, recovered from the foot injury that kept him out of the Test, made just one before he was lbw to Mark Ilott. Ganguly entered the arena at number eight to stay with Das until stumps.

© CricInfo Ltd.