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India in complete control

Saturday, October 11 2003

India are in complete control going into the 4th day with New Zealand 280/8 still needing another 21 runs to avoid the follow on.

New Zealand had a good start to the day with Astle and Styris keeping the Indian spinners at bay but just as the partnership was really starting to form, Styris was caught in close by Chopra off Harbhajan for 34.

McMillan came to the crease in his first test for a while after being left out of the Sri Lankan tour. McMillan played well with his usual flair but Chopra pulled off a brillent catch in close to dismiss him for 54.

Jacob Oram then joined Nathan Astle who completed his 9th test century but on 103 he had a rush of blood to the head and charged Harbhajan and was easily stumped by Parthiv Patel.

New Zealand then quickly lost Oram and Hart and finished the day on 280/8 with Vettori 28 not out and Wiseman 8 not out.

For New Zealand to stand any chance of coming out of the match with a draw they simply have to get the remaining 21 runs to avoid the follow on mark of 300.

Score Summary

India 500/5 dec. (R Dravid 222, S Ganguly 100*, VVS Laxman 64)

New Zealand 280/8 (N Astle 103, C McMillan 54, Z Khan 3/50, Harbhajan Singh 2/80)



Posted by James