WELLINGTON, (Reuters) – New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum stubbornly provided a glimmer of hope for his side on the third day of the second test against India as he battled to his ninth test century to thwart the visitors’ push for a series-levelling victory.
McCullum, troubled with what appeared to be injuries to his left shoulder and right elbow, blasted the first six of his innings over long on off Ishant Sharma to bring up the milestone about 45 minutes before the end of play.
The 32-year-old McCullum was 114 not out at stumps having shared in an unbroken 158-run partnership with wicketkeeper BJ Watling that stalled India’s drive for victory at the Basin Reserve.
Watling was on 52, his seventh test half century, as the hosts finished the day on 252 for five, a lead of six runs but with two days remaining and fine weather forecast the odds are still stacked heavily in India’s favour to level the series after New Zealand won the first test by 40 runs.
