Gautam Gambhir batted nearly 11 hours for 137 and VVS Laxman made a much needed 124 not out as India reached 476 for four on Monday to draw the second Test against New Zealand, consolidating a 1-0 series lead.
Earlier,India were out for 305 in their first innings, replying to New Zealand's 619-9 declared, allowing New Zealand to enforce the follow on with more than two days of the match remaining.
India had started the day at 252-2, still trailing New Zealand by 62 runs.
New Zealand fast bowler Chris Martin captured the vital wicket of Sachin Tendulkar for 64 in only the fifth over of the day , who resumed at 58.
Gambhir's innings secured the draw for India, sharing partnerships of 133 for the second wicket with Rahul Dravid (62), 97 with Sachin Tendulkar (64) and 96 with Laxman.He was out trapped lbw by off spinner Jeetan Patel,in the 160th over of the innings, at 356 for four, having made the match safe for the Indian line-up.
Laxman's 14th Test century and his unbroken 120-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Yuvraj Singh (54 not out) allowed India to build a 162-run lead before their declaration ended the match an hour before scheduled stumps.
Laxman reached his 14th Test century, in 238 minutes from 187 balls with 20 fours. He made 76 in the first innings.
Yuvraj then found form with a half-century from 52 balls with nine fours.
Gambhir's marathon stay at the crease tried to take India away from the defeat shortly after tea on Monday while Laxman and Yuvraj guided India to complete safety, a declaration and a draw.
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