Dravid (110no) figured in a second-wicket stand of 170 with opener Sanjay Bangar (68) as India shut out England to post 236 for two following the early loss of Virender Sehwag.

Needing to win this third Test to have any chance of prevailing in a series they trail 1-0 with two to play, India ground out their advantage after choosing to bat first on a mostly cloudy day when the ball did plenty for England's pace attack but rarely found the edge.

Dravid, who escaped a run-out chance on 16 when Michael Vaughan's throw from cover appeared to shave the stumps but bizarrely failed to dislodge the bails, went on to hit 14 fours in his 220-ball century.

His 12th Test hundred followed his 115 at the last time of asking in the drawn Test at Trent Bridge.