India vice-captain Rahul Dravid said he was inspired by former Australia captain Steve Waugh in scoring hundreds in both innings in the second Test against Pakistan on Saturday.
Dravid top-scored with 135 in India's second innings, after making 110 in the first, to achieve the feat for a second time. His century put India in a strong position on the fourth day of the Test at the Eden Gardens.
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He shared a crucial 165-run partnership with teenage wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, who scored a gritty 93 to help India pile up 407 for nine declared in the second innings.
Pakistan closed day four on 95 for one chasing an imposing fourth innings target of 422 to raise hopes of a close finish on Sunday.
"I had always wanted to score hundreds in both innings," he said. "I have read a lot about Steve Waugh doing that."
Waugh hit 108 and 116 at Old Trafford on the 1997 Ashes tour to help Australia claim a series-levelling victory in the third Test. They went on to win the series 3-2.
Dravid had scored 190 and 103 not out in Hamilton against New Zealand in 1998-99, although the second effort came with the match meandering towards a draw.
"It was more satisfying today because all three results are possible here," he said. "It's a big advertisement for Test cricket."
Dravid said the team which handles the pressure best on the final day will triumph on a slow pitch.
"We will be positive and they will be confident as well," he added.
Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Sami was hopeful of his team getting the remaining 327 runs for victory. The highest successful fourth innings runs chase is 418 by West Indies against Australia at Antigua in 2002-03.
Attacking opener Shahid Afridi was dismissed for a 59-ball 59 in the penultimate over.
"The Test is still open," Sami said. "Afridi was playing well and it is a blow for us, but, hopefully, the other batsmen can do it."
Dravid praised 19-year old Karthik after the youngster came in with India tottering in the morning session.
"Missing the hundred will hurt, but, hopefully, I can get one soon," Karthik said.
"I'm not too disappointed because I want to help the team win."
