Dravid stands tall as India dominate

Rahul Dravid's 27th century - and tenth 150-plus score - carried more intent than probably any of his Test innings, as he led India's remarkable comeback from 32 for 4 in the first half hour. Along the way, he took part in his 77th and 78th 100-run partnerships (both world records), scored more runs than he ever has in a day's play, crossed Steve Waugh to become the fifth-highest run-getter in Tests, reached 11,000 career runs, and most importantly undid the superb start that two rookie fast bowlers gave Sri Lanka.

Test cricket it might be, but Dravid rattled along at breathtaking pace and refused to slow down even with wickets falling. He was at the heart of India's revival and even though he was outscored by Yuvraj during their 125-run fifth-wicket partnership, the main feature was his majestic driving.

He then kept up with Dhoni, who made him run frantically between the wickets during their 224-run stand. Dravid, perhaps tired of the running, kept finding the boundary throughout his innings, reaching his fifty in 79 balls, hundred in 158, and 150 in 216. Dravid's pace - 110 of his unbeaten 177 coming in boundaries - allowed India's run-rate to stay over four almost throughout the day.

Dravid took a single to reach his hundred, and even before he finished the 100th run he exulted, as demonstrative a celebration for a century as Dravid has ever got into. With single-saving fields, he kept finding boundaries as India reached a dominating position.