Kolkata, February 16: The duo of VVS Laxman and MS Dhoni took the Indians past the 450-run mark as they tightened their grip on the Kolkata Test.
India were in command of the Kolkata Test as they went into lunch at 431/6 with an overall lead of 135 runs. When the umpires called for the break, VVS Laxman was batting on 39 while skipper Dhoni was giving him excellent support on 27. The duo had put on 47 runs for the seventh wicket.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who came in at the fall of Amit Mishra’s wicket, ensured that there was no further damage as he along with VVS Laxman continued to torment the South Africans with another steady partnership.
Although the duo was scoring at less than three runs an over, it ensured that the home team gained the advantage in the second Test.
Morne Morkel did the trick with the new ball as he sent back Amit Mishra in the first hour of play, but not before the batsman, who came in as a night watchman yesterday, had put on 48 runs for the sixth wicket with VVS Laxman.
Mishra (28) was caught by Jacques Kallis at second slip off a ball that came in slightly.
VVS Laxman and Amit Mishra resumed the home team’s quest to build up a massive lead and put the South African team under pressure as India continued from their overnight total of 342/5.
India will be aiming to bat for the entire day today and put them in a commanding position after Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar slammed tons yesterday to put them ahead before the South African bowlers struck back in the final session to claim three quick wickets.
After being hit all over the park throughout the day, South African bowlers pulled something back at the fag end of the day by removing both Sehwag and Sachin. India ended Day 2 at 342/5 with VVS Laxman and Amit Mishra playing on 9 and 1 respectively.
-Agencies