Laxman’s affair with Eden Garden continues as India took 347 run lead in the second test match

VVS-Laxman-MS-DhoniVVS Laxman's classy century and skipper MS Dhoni's blasting one took India in a dominating position in the second and final test match of the J. P. Cup test series in Kolkata.

Team India took a first inning lead of 347 runs as skipper declared the first inning when the total was 643 for 6 wickets. Team South Africa was 6/0 when the bad light forced the umpires to call off the third day's play.

Laxman, who was unbeaten on 143 off 260 deliveries, inclusive of 16 fours, hits his fourth test century at Eden Gardens while Dhoni made his first Test century in Kolkata. Dhoni was more aggressive in the two as he scored 132 runs from 187 deliveries, with the help of 12 fours and 3 sixes. The duo made a new record for seventh wicket partnership for India as they made unbeaten 259 runs. The total of 643/6 is also India's highest ever total against South Africa.

Team India needs a definite win in this test match to regain the top slot in the ICC test rankings which they lost in the first test match against South Africa in Nagpur. And after the end of the third day's play they can think to regain the lost No. 1 slot as there are still two days of play left that is supposed to be enough time for the bowlers to take 10 wickets of the guests. South Africa has to really do very well to save the match as the pitch will start cracking on fourth day and the spinners are supposed to get much help on fourth and fifth day of the match.