MOHALI, India, 21 October 2003 — Venkatsai Laxman slammed an unbeaten 67 to help India survive a Daryl Tuffey scare in the second and final cricket Test against New Zealand which ended in a draw here yesterday.
The solid middle-order batsman followed his first-innings 104 not out with an unbeaten half-century under pressure as India reached 136-4 in their second innings at stumps on the fifth and final day after conceding a lead of 206.
The two-Test series ended in a stalemate following the drawn opening match at Ahmedabad, the first time in three years that India had failed to win a home Test series.
India were in trouble at 18-3 in their second innings immediately after lunch following a three-wicket burst by Tuffey, but Laxman came to their rescue with a 110-run stand for the fourth wicket with Akash Chopra. Playing only his second Test, Chopra also gave a good account of himself in a tight situation as he scored a solid 52 for his second successive half-century.
Tall fast bowler Tuffey had briefly raised visions of New Zealand’s maiden Test series win in India when he grabbed two quick wickets in the first innings and three in the second to inject life into the “dead” match.
Man-of-the-Series Laxman and Chopra then defied the Tuffey-inspired attack with responsible knocks, taking no risks during their big stand to steer their team to safety.
Although New Zealand did not win the Test, they enhanced their reputation with their first drawn series in India since 1969-70. They also enforced a follow-on in India for the first time since 1964-65, bowling the hosts out for 424 in the first innings in reply to their total of 630-6 declared.
New Zealand were indebted to man-of-the-match Tuffey for denting India’s batting pride at home as the skilful bowler gave a fine exhibition of seam bowling on an unhelpful track.
