Hyderabad: Brendon Mc Cullum, a wicket keeper turned opener for New Zealand hit a gallant 225 runs to force India to draw the second Test in Hyderabad, after the 1st Test in Ahmedabad had been drawn, thanks to Harbhajan Singh gritty innings of 115 runs there.
Harbhajan again scored a century at no.8 with a last wicket partnership of 105 runs with speedster (Kerala’s) Sreesanth (24). Bhajji recorded 111 runs, not out again.
The 2 rival teams go to Nagpur to win or lose and one hopes, not to draw once more there, from Saturday next. The 2 tests have been vigorous and full of suspense.
New Zealand set a target of 325 lead runs after the second innings, wiping out their first innings deficit of 122 runs, made good by Mc Cullum alone.
India were creditably a better team, made 68 for no loss in their second innings, with Sehwag on 54 and Gambhir on 14 runs. New Zealand had declared at tea, 448 for 8.
Three or more dropped catches by Indian substitute fielders gave extended life to NZ batsmen. New boy 20 year old Kane Williamson made a second half century.
There were several ‘Man-of-the match’ candidates, but B. Mc Cullum ought to pocket the cheque this time.
Harbhajan could be the man of the series, in case he repeats his acts with a bat in hand.