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[cricket_news]

Laxman scores century, test ends in draw
30 March 2009, 9:18 am



NAPIER, New Zealand (Reuters) - Vangipurappu Laxman scored his 14th test century after Gautam Gambhir had batted for almost 11 hours to ensure India secured a draw in the second test against New Zealand on Monday.

India, forced to follow on after being bowled out for 305, declared their second innings closed at 476 for four shortly after Laxman had scored his century.

With New Zealand needing 163 to win in less than 17 overs, both captains agreed to call the match off.

Laxman was unbeaten on 124 and Yuvraj Singh was 54 not out for India, who lead the three-match series 1-0 after a 10-wicket victory in the Hamilton test.

"After the performance we had in Hamilton, to bounce back and play like we did here is very pleasing," New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori told reporters.

"The performances of Jesse Ryder (201), Ross Taylor (151) and Brendon McCullum (115) with the bat and backed up by a magnificent first innings bowling spell.

"I think the amount of pressure we put India under was fantastic."

Gambhir, who batted for 642 minutes and faced 436 balls, was finally dismissed for 137 after being trapped in front by offspinner Jeetan Patel before tea.

It was the fourth-lowest test score for anyone who batted over 10 hours in a single innings.  Continued...



Source: Reuters: Cricket News