Gautti,Laxman scores double, India Declares at 613/7
Double centurian Laxman combined with Gambhir in a 278-run fourth-wicket partnership V.V.S Laxman continued the onslaught against the Australian bowlers in the wake of opener Gautam Gambhir's maiden double hundred Thursday, scoring an unbeaten 160 to increase India's total to a commanding 515 for six at tea on the second day of the third cricket test.
Laxman combined with Gambhir in a 278-run fourth-wicket partnership that significantly reduced Australia's chances of recording the victory it needs to square the four-match series after India's emphatic, 320-run win in the second test last week. Gambhir's marathon innings, which lasted 550 minutes and 380 balls, finally came to an end when he inside-edged Shane Watson and was bowled for 206. The hosts resumed Thursday at 296-3, with Gambhir going back to the crease knowing he would face a disciplinary hearing at the close of play after being charged by the match referee for a collision with Watson on day one. But he showed no constraints, quickly posting his 150 in the second over of the morning and moving freely toward his double-century, which came with a glance off Brett Lee. He had a reprieve on 176 when his edge to legspinner Cameron White could not be taken by a diving Matthew Hayden at slip. Gambhir's career-best score _ including 26 fours and one six _ helped India to 435-4 when he departed. Sourav Ganguly fell nine runs later when he drove part-time spinner Simon Katich to Ricky Ponting at short cover. Katich was Australia's most dangerous slow bowler on the opening day, but Ponting used his own medium pace before calling on the left-armer in the middle session. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who hit two fours and a six from one Katich over, was removed for a quickfire 27 when he edged Watson to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. Laxman resumed the second day on 54 and played some strong drives and worked the ball cleverly from the fast and slow bowlers. His 13th hundred, in his 99th test, came when he stroked White for four through cover, bringing up his 10th boundary from his 171st delivery. It was his sixth century against Australia in 23 matches. Laxman continued to flay the visiting attack in the second session and he brought up his 150 with a legside push off Katich. He had stayed for 252 balls and hit 17 fours by tea.
The Australians took only three wickets on the first day and the pacemen were flat again on the second. Watson was the only quick bowler to break through Thursday and had figures of 2-66 from 20 overs. Another serious concern for the visitors is that the pitch is expected to produce uneven bounce and more turn from day three, when Australia is expected to be batting.
Laxman combined with Gambhir in a 278-run fourth-wicket partnership that significantly reduced Australia's chances of recording the victory it needs to square the four-match series after India's emphatic, 320-run win in the second test last week. Gambhir's marathon innings, which lasted 550 minutes and 380 balls, finally came to an end when he inside-edged Shane Watson and was bowled for 206. The hosts resumed Thursday at 296-3, with Gambhir going back to the crease knowing he would face a disciplinary hearing at the close of play after being charged by the match referee for a collision with Watson on day one. But he showed no constraints, quickly posting his 150 in the second over of the morning and moving freely toward his double-century, which came with a glance off Brett Lee. He had a reprieve on 176 when his edge to legspinner Cameron White could not be taken by a diving Matthew Hayden at slip. Gambhir's career-best score _ including 26 fours and one six _ helped India to 435-4 when he departed. Sourav Ganguly fell nine runs later when he drove part-time spinner Simon Katich to Ricky Ponting at short cover. Katich was Australia's most dangerous slow bowler on the opening day, but Ponting used his own medium pace before calling on the left-armer in the middle session. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who hit two fours and a six from one Katich over, was removed for a quickfire 27 when he edged Watson to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. Laxman resumed the second day on 54 and played some strong drives and worked the ball cleverly from the fast and slow bowlers. His 13th hundred, in his 99th test, came when he stroked White for four through cover, bringing up his 10th boundary from his 171st delivery. It was his sixth century against Australia in 23 matches. Laxman continued to flay the visiting attack in the second session and he brought up his 150 with a legside push off Katich. He had stayed for 252 balls and hit 17 fours by tea.
The Australians took only three wickets on the first day and the pacemen were flat again on the second. Watson was the only quick bowler to break through Thursday and had figures of 2-66 from 20 overs. Another serious concern for the visitors is that the pitch is expected to produce uneven bounce and more turn from day three, when Australia is expected to be batting.
Australia were 50/0 at stumps on day 2(trail by 563 runs), Hayden and Katich were unbeaten on 16&29 respectively.
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