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India v NZ: Day 2 - Tea

Thursday, October 9 2003

Rahul Dravid proved to the world, and to the New Zealander's why he is one of the world's greatest batsman as he stroked a magnificent double century which left the kiwis biting the dust.

With Akash Chopra and Lakshmipathy Balaji making the debut, India batted first on a placid and very batsman friendly Ahmedabad wicket. Chopra and Sehwag got things on the right track with a solid opening partnership of 35.

Sehwag pleased the crowd early, but was dismissed cheaply by Tuffey lbw for 29. Replay's indicated Sehwag was a tad unlucky however, as the ball was going down legside.
Meanwhile Akash Chopra showed plenty of potential and tenacity.

Combining with the solid Rahul Dravid, the two added 72, before Chopra unluckily spooned a simple return catch to Daniel Vettori to be out for an impressive 42 on debut.
Tendulkar was out next to Styris as the little master seemed frustrated and lacking the elegant touch one associates with him.

Kolkata 2001 heroes Dravid and VVS Laxman gave the Black Caps a taste of the Indian blade, as stylish strokes and elegant dabs dominated the evening session on day one.
The evergreen Rahul Dravid brought up his 15th test century, and another against New Zealand.

Laxman provided solid support at the other end, with a stylish half century. The two carried on until the close of play with India at 249/3.

With day two starting, a cricketing feast was promising. Unfortunately for India, Laxman was dismissed relatively quickly for 64, as Vettori picked up his second wicket. Sourav Ganguly strode to the middle, as Dravid was left to pick India's total up again.

Ganguly and Dravid solidly gave India the advantage again, as stylish on drives and slashing cuts were the favored shots against the often wayward New Zealand bowling. Ganguly proved why he still is a world class batsman as he brought up another test half century.

The cream on the cake though, was for Rahul Dravid. The champion batsman registered his third double century of his career, and one of his better ones at that. Dravid who is one of the most integral gears in the Indian lineup again showed the world, he is up there with the best.

At tea on day two, India are in a dominant position at 4/438.


Brief Score Summary:

India 1st Innings (Day 2/Tea): 4/438 (Dravid 214*, Ganguly 75*, Laxman 64, Vettori 2/119, Styris 1/83)





Posted by Sangrah