3rd Test: Victory in India's sight against New Zealand

NAGPUR: It wasn’t Sachin Tendulkar’s day. Nor was Monday kind to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who missed his century by just two runs. Eventually, after four batsmen missed out on their hundreds, it was left to Rahul Dravid to bring up his 31st Test ton. However, the 37-year old former India captain too had his share of disappointment as he fell for 191, missing out on his double century after meditating at the crease for nine hours and 33 minutes.
Notwithstanding these personal disappointments, India ended Day Three of the final Test against New Zealand on a high as they sat atop a run mountain of 566/8 declared, a position from where they can deservedly look down on their opponents.
By close of play, Harbhajan Singh had already knocked down opener Tim McIntosh, trapping him leg before. Brendon McCullum too would have suffered a similar fate against Pragyan Ojha had umpire Simon Taufel upheld a very strong shout as New Zealand ended the day on 24/1 in their second innings.
To be sure, all eyes were on Sachin Tendulkar at the start of the day but the cricketing gods have chosen another day and another occasion for him to get to his 50th Test ton. Even before one could settle down, Tendulkar was already walking back to the pavilion falling to the third ball he faced from debutant Andy McKay.
Soon Chris Martin sent VVS Laxman’s leg stump for a walk before Suresh Raina’s uncomfortable stay at the crease came to an end as he fell to Daniel Vettori. Three quick wickets for just 32 runs wasn’t the expected start.
However, normal service resumed once Dravid (191; 573m, 396b, 21x4) found an able ally in Dhoni (98; 220m, 156b, 12x4, 1x6). Together, they put on 193 runs for the sixth wicket. There was a calm to Dravid’s presence at the crease and an unhurried elegance in his strokes, which kissed the turf a thousand times before crashing into the boundary. Dhoni’s sent the pulses racing with some brutal and adventurous strokeplay.
Dravid displayed the patience of a priest as he focused on his work unmindful of losing three partners in quick succession. A lovely on-drive of Tim Southee and a pull off Andy McKay stood out as he moved to 86 from where he progressed to his second hundred of the series at a snail’s pace.
Dhoni played with freedom, authority and even contempt, but he fell victim to cramps and fell two runs short of his fifth Test hundred.