India face daunting task to save Test despite Dravid heroics

Following on,India were 129 for three at close on an eventful penultimate day with the visitors needing 162 more runs to avoid the ignominy of an innings defeat and a 0-4 series whitewash.

Sachin Tendulkar and nightwatchman Amit Mishra were batting on 35 and eight respectively at the draw of stumps.

Dravid displayed tremendous temperament and class to hold the innings together as wickets fell at the other end. India touched 300 for the first in the series yet they finished 291 runs behind England’s 591 for six declared.

Dravid,who was left stranded on 146,walked in again to open India’s second essay as Gautam Gambhir was still feeling the after-effects of concussion he suffered while fielding in England’s first innings but could not contribute much as he was out for 13 in controversial circumstances.

He was ruled not out by the umpires but given out after referral by England though the television replays of the the snickometer apparently showed that there was no contact with the ball and the bat.

When on seven,Dravid was given out by umpire Rod Tucker,caught at forward short leg. The batsman immediately asked for the DRS and was vindicated when the replays showed the ball had gone off his pads.