He may not have been in the most prime form when playing for India, but returning to domestic cricket was akin to a homecoming for VVS Laxman, and he proved it in full by striking a century on the first day of Hyderabad's Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Baroda on Tuesday.

Winning the toss, the hosts put Hyderabad in to bat, and they must have been pleased when the first wicket fell with 19 on the board. Thereafter, although wickets fell regularly, Laxman dominated the crease with his unique brand of strokeplay.

Putting on 95 runs for the fifth wicket with D Vinay Kumar (41), Laxman played a striking knock, hitting 101 before being caught behind. His century must come as a clarion call to the national selectors who, although dropping him from the one-day side, will find it hard to resist pencilling his name into the Test squad against Zimbabwe.

For Baroda, Zaheer Khan took five wickets, and he too called attention to himself, particularly after many commentators argued for his presence in at least one of the recently concluded one-day series against England.

Hyderabad were bowled out for 290 in 79.1 overs, and Baroda then proceeded to play out eight overs before stumps, reaching a score of 21 for no loss.

© CricInfo