Rahul Dravid's 144 not out was the perfect Test innings. He took his time getting his eye in, and played every ball on its merit: he kept out the good balls and was severe on anything too short or too full. His innings spread out over four sessions. In the post-lunch session on the third day, he was circumspect, scoring just 11 off 74 deliveries, getting a good look at the bowling. He was solid though, in control 88% of the time. After tea, he grew in confidence, hitting 46 runs off 108 deliveries. While he scored only 3 runs off the 71 good-length balls he faced, he hit 26 runs off 22 short balls, and 16 off 12 half-volleys. Impeccable shot selection.

The next morning, against some respectable new-ball bowling, trying to save the follow-on, he scored 50 runs off 93 deliveries. The increase in confidence was apparent: while 86% of the balls he had faced the previous day were dot balls, that figure was down to 74% in this session. With the pacers doing most of the bowling, he got 4 runs off the 11 short balls he faced, but his driving was immaculate: 21 runs came off the 7 half-volleys bowled to him.

He continued unwaveringly in the curtailed post-lunch session, hitting up 37 runs off 70 deliveries. His overall in-control percentage for the innings was a superb 87%. An innings of the highest quality, played in a crisis.

Amit Varma is assistant editor of Wisden.com India.

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