Cricket: Dravid century puts India in command against Pakistan

8.25am

RAWALPINDI - Rahul Dravid struck a masterly unbeaten 134 to put India firmly in control of the deciding third test against Pakistan this morning (NZ time).

Dravid hit 19 fours in his 17th test century, taking the visitors to 342-4 at the close of the second day, already 118 runs ahead of Pakistan's first innings of 224.

The 31-year-old put on 129 for the second wicket with makeshift opener Parthiv Patel (69) and raised 131 for the fourth with Vangipurappu Laxman (71) after India resumed on 23-1.

Captain Saurav Ganguly made a quickfire 53 not out off 72 balls, including eight fours, on a green wicket that offered early bounce and movement to the pacemen but became increasingly friendly.

Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who dismissed Virender Sehwag for a first-ball duck on Tuesday, picked up two more wickets but he was the only bowler to trouble the Indians.

India are looking to win their maiden test series on Pakistani soil.

They emerged victorious in the first test at Multan by an innings and 52 runs before Pakistan hit back with a nine-wicket victory at Lahore.

"We'll be looking to add another 150 to 200 runs on the third day so that we can put Pakistan under pressure. We wouldn't like to bat a second time in this match," Dravid said after hitting his maiden test century against the hosts.

"There is nothing seriously wrong with the pitch. But if we can win this test to clinch the series, I would rate my hundred very highly."

The key for India on Wednesday was not losing a wicket in the first session when the ball darted around.

Patel was promoted because Aakash Chopra was dropped to accommodate Ganguly, who returned after missing the first two tests due to a back injury, and he made the best of the opportunity.

Wicketkeeper Patel fended off a fiery opening spell from Shoaib before launching an array of shots.

He was dismissed by medium pacer Fazl-e-Akbar after lunch, caught behind while playing away from his body.

"I think Patel played extremely well for a 19-year-old and he grabbed the opportunity to open the innings with both hands. He is a future star in the making for India," Dravid said.

"Parthiv showed great courage and resilience in tough conditions," Dravid said.

Sachin Tendulkar lasted only three balls, nicking a rising delivery from Shoaib to reduce India to 130-3.

However, Dravid, who raised his 50 cutting Akbar for four, resurrected the innings with a fluent partnership beside Laxman. Dravid had a life on 71 when Yasir Hameed dropped a simple catch at backward point as the batsman slashed at a Sami delivery.

Playing his 78th test, Dravid brought up his 100, off 251 balls, with a single to mid-wicket.

Laxman brought up his 50 before his middle stump was uprooted by a Shoaib full toss that moved away late.

Ganguly started with a flourish and raised his half-century off the day's last ball.

Shoaib left the field without completing his 22nd over after he fell over in his follow-through and hurt his wrist. Asim Kamal, fielding at forward short-leg, had to be carried off when a Ganguly pull struck his right elbow.

India are on their first full tour of Pakistan since 1989-90.

- REUTERS

Scoreboard

PAKISTAN

First innings: 224 (Mohammad Sami 49; L Balaji 4-63)

INDIA

First innings (overnight 23-1)
V Sehwag c Hameed b Akhtar 0

P Patel c Akmal b Akbar 69

R Dravid not out 134

S Tendulkar c Akmal b Akhtar 1

V Laxman b Akhtar 71

S Ganguly not out 53

Extras: (b6, lb7, w1) 14

Total: (for four wickets) 342

To bat: Y. Singh, I. Pathan, L. Balaji, A. Kumble, A. Nehra

Fall of wickets: 0, 129, 130, 261

Bowling: Akhtar 21.2-7-47-3, Akbar 26.4-2-114-1, Kaneria 32-2-86-0, Sami 22-6-72-0, Farhat 3-1-10-0