Top-order helps India consolidate

Though these four deliveries,and a brief spell by debutant Andy McKay to Gautam Gambhir,did create some excitement in the Kiwi camp,unfortunately for the visitors,none managed to produce a significant impact on any of recipients. And probably for the first time in the three-Test series,India went onto completely dominate proceedings on two consecutive days.

The Kiwi bowling attack failed to replicate the commendable control and energy,which has been the hallmark of their performances during the first two Tests,on Sunday. And the hosts duly made them pay for it,finishing the second day with a sizable lead of 99 at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha. All four batsmen in the top-order scored half-centuries,with Dravid and Tendulkar remaining unbeaten on 69 and 57 respectively,and the Indian score reading 292/2.

The Kiwis have spoken about possessing plans to curb the belligerence of Sehwag. So far though,like many before them,they have failed to stop Mr Destruction from crossing the half-century mark on every occasion — except when they got the bonus of running him out in the second innings at Ahmedabad. And the Black Caps hardly looked like causing even a stutter,as Sehwag almost galloped towards his third half-century of the series. He handled the pacemen with the customary audacity,while Vettori was deposited over long-on in his first over.

Gambhir,meanwhile,continued to bat himself back to form and brought up his second consecutive 50+ score. The duo,however,perished after bringing up their ninth century partnership in Tests. Neither was undone by the bowler,and will consider this a wasted opportunity.

With the foundation having been perfectly laid,Dravid and Tendulkar then set upon adding to the Kiwis’ woes,mixing wholesome circumspection with timely aggression,and putting on yet another century-stand. Dravid in fact seemed more forceful than usual in the early half of his innings,before settling down to his regular pace.

Tendulkar 43 away from 50th

With Tendulkar now just 43 runs bereft of his much-awaited 50th Test ton,the entire focus on Monday will surround the moment. And with Dravid looking set for a big one too,the Kiwis can only hope that they get something to cheer about on the third day.