Phew, that was a close shave…!

After having to follow on, India managed to save the second test match at Napier with a reasonable degree of comfort. While Dravid, Sachin and Yuvraj together scored about 175 runs or so, it was Gautam Gambhir’s tenacious knock of 137 runs that was the bedrock of India’s escape from an ignominous defeat. Gambhir battled the Kiwi attack for 2 days to hold up one end when wickets tended to fall at the other (although in Dravid’s case, it was supposedly a poor decision). What is commendable is the young man’s ability to curb his “natural game” and play the role of a sheet anchor. Of course, just as important was Laxman’s unbeaten knock of 125 runs. Laxman scored his runs at a much brisker pace than Gambhir, and spent less time out in the middle. As always, many of his boundaries bore the hallmark of the touch artist that we know Laxman to be.

Think back to stumps on Day 2 and I’ll wager there weren’t too many out there willing to bet on a drawn match! Vettori and his team were understandably disappointed at having been denied victory. But even in this draw, the Kiwis have proved that they are no pushovers. And that should make the third test at Basin Reserve more keenly contested.

My unrequited advice to Kirsten, Dhoni and the others: get to the venue asap and get used to the conditions!