The test was definitely headed for a draw after NZ put together a mammoth total of 630/6 in the first innings. This included four centuries and consumed 2 and a half days of the test match. Their strategy was to put India under the pressure of avoiding a follow on and then try to win the match and series (India has lost only one series at home since 1987).

India responded well to the challenge with Sehwag scoring a quick century and other batsmen pitching in their valuable few runs. India looked very strong in their first inning at 203/1 when Sehwag and Dravid were batting at the close of Day 3. However Day 4 saw a couple of quick wickets and a uncharacterically slow half century from Tendulkar. India closed the day with Laxman batting at 86 and India at 390/6. The match looked headed for an easy draw.

However, morning of Day 5 saw the collapse of the Indian tail, putting us to bat again trailing the kiwis by 206 runs. Another collapse of the top order in second innings, and even an utter optimist like me thought that India would lose the match after all. Laxman came up with a fine knock of 62 runs in 183 balls and avoided an unfortunate defeat at home.

Wisden Match Reports