India vs Bangladesh: Second Test: Day 2

Along expected lines, Rahul Dravid got to his 29th Century in Test cricket, while Sachin Tendulkar completed his 45th as India piled up runs against some mediocre Bangla bowling on a somewhat tricky Mirpur wicket. What was unexpected was Gautam Gambhir missing the sixth straight ton in 6 consecutive Test matches and thus emulating Sir Don Bradman. India finished day 2 at 459/5, adding 390 runs in the day.

Brief Scores:

Bangladesh (1st Innings): 233
India (1st Innings): 459/5 (Rahul Dravid 111 retired hurt, Sachin Tendulkar 143, Gambhir 68)

India vs Bangladesh: Second Test: Day 2

Along expected lines, Rahul Dravid got to his 29th Century in Test cricket, while Sachin Tendulkar completed his 45th as India piled up runs against some mediocre Bangla bowling on a somewhat tricky Mirpur wicket. What was unexpected was Gautam Gambhir missing the sixth straight ton in 6 consecutive Test matches and thus emulating Sir Don Bradman. India finished day 2 at 459/5, adding 390 runs in the day.

Both Dravid and Tendulkar got a life each. Bangladesh learnt the lesson of missing on prize wickets the hard way when both the players made most of the missed opportunities and added to the home team’s miseries.

Bowling a no-ball at this level taught Rubel Hossain a very costly lesson as an excellent rising delivery caught Dravid totally unaware to offer a catch to the slips. But the no-ball dashed all his efforts and Dravid, who was on 28 then, went on to register his 29th century. Nevertheless, it was commendable for the Bangla bowler to have forced a master batsman like Dravid to stay away from rising deliveries during the rest of his stay at the crease. It was ironical that Dravid got hit by another bouncer and had to retire hurt and later taken to the hospital for a precautionary check-up.

But by that time, Bangladesh was already battered and bruised by the two masters of the game. Dravid played with his usual resolute self to reach his 29th century and his third century of the season having scored two against Sri Lanka. Tendulkar on the other hand, after having started sedately, upped the ante making full use of a dropped catch when on 27, with Rubel being again the hapless bowler. Tendulkar swept and drove with utmost élan to register his 45th century.

Dravid and Tendulkar were also involved in a world record today as this is the 17th time the two are now involved in the most number of century partnerships in Test Cricket history. The duo achieved the distinction when they build a partnership of 224 runs for the third wicket before Dravid was retired hurt.

On a tricky wicket, where the odd balls are keeping low, India would like to bat till tea on Day 3 setting a handsome lead of more than 350 atleast. That would set India to go for the kill in the Bangla second innings and press for a 2-0 clean sweep in the Test series.

Brief Scores:

Bangladesh (1st Innings): 233
India (1st Innings): 459/5 (Rahul Dravid 111 retired hurt, Sachin Tendulkar 143, Gambhir 68)