New Zealand left reeling by Dravid and Dhoni

Rahul Dravid fell nine runs short of a double century as India established a huge first- innings lead in the decisive third Test against New Zealand.

Dravid (191) shared a 193-run sixth-wicket stand with Mahendra Singh Dhoni to lead the hosts to 566 for eight declared in reply to the Black Caps' 193.

New Zealand closed day three on 24 for one, needing 349 more runs to make India bat again, as Tim McIntosh fell early on.

Sachin Tendulkar started the day 57 not out, but he could add just four more runs before he fell to debutant Andy McKay, sending an outside edge through to wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins.

Laxman followed for 12, bowled off his pads by Chris Martin, before Daniel Vettori struck to send Suresh Raina back to the pavilion for just three, caught bat and pad at short leg. That left India on 328 for five, but Dhoni helped Dravid past 100, a landmark he reached with a clipped two off Vettori.

New Zealand had their chance to hit back shortly after lunch when Dhoni lofted a misjudged delivery from Vettori over mid-off, but McIntosh, who was running backwards for the catch, was unable to grasp the ball. Dhoni built steadily on his lifeline to reach his 50.

Dravid brought up his 150 with a boundary off McKay, while Dhoni powered on to move to within five runs of his century. However, he was caught and bowled off a flighted delivery from Vettori on 98.

Dravid fell nine short of his double hundred with an attempted slog off Kane Williamson, which only found Martin Guptill at long on.