Rahul Dravid's third century for Scotland Saltires was again in vain as his team lost to Northamptonshire by 75 runs in the National Cricket League, division two encounter, at Northampton on Wednesday.

The Indian vice-captain's knock of 114 was overshadowed by a brilliant century from Northamptonshire's Australian captain Mike Hussey, who scored 123 off 115 balls

Batting first, Northamptonshire hit up a mammoth 319 for 7 in their 45 overs. Phil Jaques (76 off 77 balls) and David Sales (53 off 37 balls) were the other key contributors for Northamptonshire.

In reply, Scotland were never in with a chance as they lost two quick wickets with the scoring reading 16 for 2, opener Ryan Watson and captain Craig Smith being dismissed within three balls.

Dravid then shared an useful third-wicket partnership of 86 runs with Neil MacRae, who scored 38. The rest of the batting failed to make any impact as the Indian batting ace waged a lone battle.

Dravid also shared a ninth-wicket partnership of 72 with Gregor Maiden, who scored 33, before being the last man out, having faced 102 balls and hitting eight fours and a six as Scotland folded up for 244 in 43.4 overs.

Dravid has now scored 575 runs at an impressive average of 82.14, with three centuries and two half-centuries in nine matches.