Dravid, Tendulkar spearhead India to dominant 278-4 in Hamilton Test

Hamilton, Mar.19 (ANI): A dominant India on Thursday were just a run short of New Zealand's total of 279 in their first innings in the first Test being played at Seddon Park in Hamilton, thanks to three half centuries from the blades of Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar.

At close of play on the second day of the Test, Sachin Tendulkar was unbeaten on 70, with eleven boundaries, while southpaw Yuvraj Singh was keeping him company on eight.

Play was stopped 6.1 overs before the scheduled close due to bad light.

Resuming on 29 without loss, India lost the wicket of opener Virender Sehwag early. He was run out, but half-centuries from Gambhir (72) and Rahul Dravid (66) and an unbeaten 70 from Sachin Tendulkar allowed India to establish a measure of control over the proceedings.

New Zealand's bowlers were disciplined and their fielders were sprightly, but despite a lot of moisture in the air after overnight rain, there were no real menace to the Indians.

Tendulkar took 11 balls to get off the mark, but gradually eased himself into rhythm and showcased some sparkling strokes in the final session.

There were cover-drives off the front and back foot, precise cuts and deft nudges off the pads. His best shot though was a gorgeous on-drive off Chris Martin, a stroke he followed up with an impudent ramp over slips off Ian O'Brien.

New Zealand rued a missed chance when Tendulkar had made just 13 and miscued a pull off Daniel Vettori that landed just beyond Daniel Flynn at midwicket.

Yuvraj Singh survived a few alarms, playing one superb cover-drive off the disappointing Kyle Mills.

For the record, play started 15 minutes late because of overnight rain. Chris Martin was the standout Kiwi bowler, snaring two wickets for 53. (ANI)