Dravid reaches 26th century in test against England

Mohali: Rahul Dravid stroked a 26th century to hand India a big advantage in the second test against England on Saturday.

India reached a solid 302 for one at lunch on the second day, dimming any England hopes of rallying in their bid to force a win and square the two-test series.

Dravid was unbeaten on 124 with opening batsman Gautam Gambhir 167 not out after reaching his fourth test hundred overnight at the interval.

The pair have raised 296 runs after bettering the previous highest second wicket partnership against England of 192.

Dravid hit typically stylish shots and streaky fours to close in on his hundred, which he reached by flicking new ball bowler James Anderson to backward square leg for single.