Not for the first time, Rahul Dravid demonstrated how to tackle adverse conditions in an overseas Test match. As always, his innings was based on a sound adherence to the basics of batsmanship – leaving deliveries outside off, defending the good balls and punishing the bad ones.

Of the 173 balls he faced, Dravid shouldered arms to 50 – that's two out of every seven. From 67 good-length deliveries, he scored only 11, but any errors in length were punished: 11 half-volleys went for 20 runs.

The New Zealand bowlers hardly allowed him any free hits – only seven deliveries pitched on middle stump or further leg side – but Dravid's superb technique and concentration allowed him to conquer everything that was thrown at him.

His battle against Shane Bond was expected to be a key contest, and there was little doubt about who came out on top. Seven of Dravid's 13 fours came off Bond, as did 38 of his runs, from just 68 balls.

Dravid was also largely untroubled by him, being in control of 85% of the deliveries he faced from Bond, compared to an overall in-control percentage of 82. Dravid's conquest of Bond, and his entire innings, was the one bright spot in a dismal day's cricket for India.

S Rajesh is sub editor of Wisden.com in India.

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