Dravid Can't Stop Chaos

India became the first side to take a first innings lead in a Test match having themselves been dismissed for under 100. And yet it was New Zealand who ended an extraordinary day in Hamilton with the odds tilted slightly in their favour.

In all, 22 wickets fell on the third day - India, 92 for eight overnight, being dismissed for 99 and 154, New Zealand replying with 94 and 24 without loss. The home team needed 136 runs today to wrap up the two-match series 2-0.

India took advantage of a lively pitch and some indifferent batting. Left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan, who captured five for 53 in the first Test in Wellington, again did the damage with a career best of five for 29.

Rahul Dravid, whose 39 took two and a half hours, and Sachin Tendulkar (32) added 49 for the third wicket in India's second innings, but the rest of the batting was ineffective again. Daryl Tuffey's quick seamers earned him four wickets for the second time in the match.

Rain prevented play in the first five sessions of the match, but Dennis Aberhart, New Zealand's coach, said he did not think it had started before the pitch was ready. 'If you can get out on the field, then that's what you should do.'

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