Dravid gives fitting reply to selectors with double hundred

MUMBAI: Rahul Dravid reminded the national selectors of his value as the middle order rock with a double century which ensured his team Karnataka an honourable draw and one point against holders Mumbai in their Elite Division Group A Ranji Trophy match on Tuesday.

The former India skipper, dropped for the first two ODIs against Pakistan in the ongoing rubber, was determination personified when he scored 214 after a stay of 437 minutes in Karnakata's second innings tally of 397 for six declared to set Mumbai a target of 256 for an outright victory.

Dravid, who carted his first innings nemesis Ramesh Powar for four sixes in his 330-ball knock, finally fell trying to hit young left arm spinner Iqbal Abdulla for a second six over long on and was caught just inside the boundary by Ajinkya Rahane.

It was also the 34-year-old Dravid's 50th first class three-figure knock, including in Tests.

In all the Bangalore stalwart, overnight 77 in a score of 195 for one, struck 21 fours and five sixes. He added 158 runs for the second wicket with opener KB Pawan, who batted his way sedately to 80 in nearly six hours.

The duo's stand and then Dravid's partnership of 100 with Thilak Naidu for the fourth wicket ensured Karnataka will not lose the match outright.

Mumbai, set to bat for 32 overs, made 70 for two wickets in 17 overs when play was called off by mutual consent.

The hosts picked up three points for taking the first innings lead of 142, having replied with 337 to Karnataka's modest opening essay tally of 195.