Rahul Dravid is a man of different character. A man with a mission, but nothing more to prove. A cricketer with a willow, but when it strikes the leather, it transforms to a magical reality.
The Kiwis witnessed the magic of this man for the second time in the series. An innings full of character and timely - when India needed the most. His innings took India to a position from where they can have a real go to clinch the Test match and the series. When it matters, Dravid showed again, he is the man for India. Scoring at a percentage of nearly 50, Dravid mixed stability with aggression in his innings. The 193-run partnership with skipper MS Doni (98) was a story of absolute domination and strategy. Both complimented each other not only with stroke-making but also patience and intent to be calm when the other showed aggression.
That's the hallmark of a great batsmen and a greater team mate. Do we say more of The Wall? Dhoni missed the three-figure mark by a whisker. His innings also came at a time when doubts were beginning to rise about his own performance in the team. But after today, things will be calmer now, for sure.
Riding on Dravid's brilliance, India declared on 566/9, a huge lead of 375 and with two full days remaining, the lead gives a great impetus to win this Test. Harbhajan Singh quickly got into the act reducing New Zealand to 24/1 at the end of day 3. Tough call to save this Test match for New Zealand. Can Ross Taylor do something here?
