Flattened

Day 3 at Nagpur

MSD ordering the heavy roller out on the pitch symbolised this day's play pretty well.

Three quick wickets for NZ in the first session, and then it was the Dravid-and-Dhoni show. I'm happy Dravid came up with this innings when people were yet again questioning his tenure with the side, but the timing was wrong from a NZ point of view. Dhoni had gone 10 or so innings without a half century, so you could argue he was due for a big one. When he goes for his shots, containment ceases to be an option.

Two days to save the test, then. It'll need one of the batters (most likely McCullum) to play a marathon innings over five sessions or so. Hashim Amla came close to saving South Africa in a similar situation in Kolkata earlier this year. Coach Mark Greatbatch could probably draw from that innings at Perth, brilliantly recounted by Mike here, when he discusses tomorrow's approach with the lads.

Of course, the pitch is turning like a subcontinent turner should. Bhajji is bowling well, and certified crease-occupier Timmy Mac has been dismissed. Well, we can still hope.