Kolkata: A very very special innings from VVS Laxman (143*) and a captain's knock from the blade of Mahendra Singh Dhoni (132*) ensured that India capitalized on the good work done by the bowlers as they piled on the runs on Day 3 of the second Test at Kolkata.
Both the batsmen scored hundreds as India declared their first innings at a massive 643/3 with an overall lead of 347. The South African openers had to face just 5 balls and scored 6/0 before play was called off because of bad light.
The total of 643/6 is India's highest total against South Africa beating the previous record of 627 scored at Chennai in 2008.
It was a mix of familiar caution and aggression from Laxman as he further improved upon his tremendous record at the Eden Gardens. Dhoni, on the other hand, started a bit slowly but opened up soon after to grind the South African bowlers. The duo put together a mammoth unbeaten partnership of 259 runs.
Such was the domination of the home team that no South African bowler could make an impression as India scored 301 runs in the day and just lost the wicket of night watchman Amit Mishra.
Morning Session
In the morning, Laxman and 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.
Morne Morkel did the trick with the new ball as he sent back 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 Laxman. Mishra (28) was caught by Jacques Kallis at second slip off a ball that came in slightly.
However, Dhoni, who came in at the fall of Mishra's wicket ensured that there was no further damage as he along with Laxman continued to torment the South Africans with another steady partnership.
Although the duo was initially scoring at less than three runs an over, it ensured that the home team gained the advantage in the second Test.
India went into lunch at 431/6 with an overall lead of 135 runs. When the umpires called for the break, Laxman was batting on 39 while skipper Dhoni was giving him excellent support on 27.
Post-lunch Session
Laxman and Dhoni brought up their 50 partnership soon after lunch. The duo took the Indians past the 450-run mark as they tightened their grip on the game. Meanwhile, VVS Laxman brought up his fifty. Moments after Laxman eclipsed the half-ton mark, MS Dhoni also went past 50.
The batsmen continued to grind the South African bowlers as they took the score past the psychological 500-run barrier before the Indians went in to tea at 548/6.
Post-tea Session
Laxman slammed a brilliant ton off 203 deliveries, which also included 12 boundaries.
Dhoni emulated his partner soon after as he too eclipsed the three figure mark in the final session of the day. Dhoni's ton came off just 158 balls and included 10 fours and a massive six.
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