7 defining Test innings by Indian batsmen that were not centuries 

#4 Rahul Dravid – 81 and 68 vs West Indies (Jamaica, 2006)

Dravid clearly looked the best batsman in the Jamaica Test in 2006

After losing the 5-match ODI series 4-1, India played the first three Tests very well. They dominated two out of those three, but the series score remained 0-0 when the teams moved to Kingston, Jamaica for the fourth Test. On a tough pitch, skipper Rahul Dravid won the toss and elected to bat first.

When Dravid walked into bat at No. 4, India were in big trouble as the score read 3/2 (in the 4th over). He then battled it out on what was a testing pitch to bat on. He batted for almost 6 hours, played 215 deliveries and scored a vital 81.

Against a quality bowling attack which was breathing fire, Dravid defended with supreme confidence. He ensured that the scoring opportunities were maximized. Hence, he was the top-scorer for India as they were bowled out for just 200. If not for Dravid’s 81, the visitors would’ve folded up for much lesser.

After India’s bowling attack skittled out the Windies for 103, the Indian skipper was once again at the crease in the 4th over with India 6/2. And like the first innings, wickets fell all around him and was the pillar of the Indian batting line-up. He batted for 166 balls and scored 68 as India made 171.

Eventually, India won the game by 49 runs and Dravid was the difference between the sides as his twin half-centuries helped India register their first Test series win in West Indies after 35 years.