Laxman, Dhoni tons put India in driver's seat against South Africa - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Centuries by VVS Laxman and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni helped Team India take a 347 run lead against South Africa on the third day of the Kolkata Test on Tuesday. Laxman's 15th and Dhoni's fourth Test centuries steered India to 643 for six declared. Laxman smashed 16 fours in his 143 not out off 260 balls and shared an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 250 with Dhoni, who scored 132 off 187 balls with 12 boundaries and three sixes. The only wicket to fall in the day was that of nightwatchman Amit Mishra (28), who was dismissed by fast bowler Morne Morkel (2-90) after enjoying a brief flourish. In reply to India's daunting first innings lead, South Africa were six for no loss when bad light stopped play for the day. Skipper Graeme Smith (five not out) and Alviro Petersen (one not out) were at the crease, with Team India still 341 runs ahead of them. India, who lost the first Test in Nagpur by an innings and six runs, need a win to square the series and retain their number one position in the official Test rankings.