Dravid scores century, India take 193-run lead (Lunch report)

NAGPUR - Rahul Dravid smashed his 31st Test century as India reached 386 for five at lunch on the third day of the last cricket Test against New Zealand here Monday.

At lunch, Dravid (105) and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (35) were batting on an unbeaten 58-run partnership for the fifth wicket with India, who bowled out New Zealand for 193 in the first innings, taking a lead of 193 runs.

Dravid (105) struck 12 fours in 273-balls for his century, his second of the series, having struck one at in the first Test at Ahmebabad.

Sachin Tendulkar (61), who was looking to score his 50th Test century, was the first wicket to fall in the morning after extending his overnight partnership with Dravid to 104 runs. Tendulkar became debutant left-arm seamer Andy Mckay’s first Test wicket after he had him caught by wicket-keeper Gareth Hopkins.

V.V.S. Laxman (12) and Suresh Raina (3) did not stay long even as Dravid held one strong.

Dravid and Dhoni then shared 58 runs for the fifth wicket.