Laxman, Dhoni bat Proteas out of Kolkata Test

VVS Laxman’s (143*) elegance and MS Dhoni’s (106*) power combined beautifully on day-three of the second Test to bat the Proteas out of the match. The South African bowlers, who were smacked all around the park throughout the day, breathed a sigh of relief when the Indian skipper decided to declare the innings at 643 for 6, with a huge lead of 347.

VVS Laxman strengthened his bond with the Eden Gardens by bringing up 1,000 runs at the venue with a sublime 143 not-out.

When stumps pre-maturely drawn on day-three after bad light stopped play, South Africa had put on six runs without loss, still trailing India by 341 runs.
Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman and the Eden Gardens share a special bond. And the stylish Hyderabadi batsman further reinforced that bond by bringing up 1,000 runs at the venue, as he helped himself to his 15th Test century.
As he held fort for India, Laxman showed exactly what value and solidity he brings to that Indian batting line-up. Laxman batted the way he knows best, with gentle flicks and drives dominating the proceedings.
While the singles and twos flowed effortlessly, fielders toiled under the hot Kolkata sun, escorting the balls all the way to the fence. Laxman’s feet didn’t move too often but the magical hands and eyes were at work. His lazy elegance added to the frustration of the already jaded visitors.
In the morning, Dale Steyn did his best to ruffle Laxman with a barrage of bouncers and words, and all he got in reply from his composed opponent was good leaves, beautifully controlled pull-shots and a smile.
At the other end, Dhoni batted with a lot of authority and power. He smacked the ball all around the park with thumping pulls and fierce drives. He made his attacking intent clear when on one occasion he picked up Paul Harris from the middle-stump and swept him past the square-leg fence.

Skipper MS Dhoni scored an aggressive century to bring up a record 259-run stand with Laxman for seventh wicket.

Dhoni was given a life on 48 when JP Duminy grassed his second catch of the match. The Indian skipper made sure he punished the visitors severely for their fumbles by gliding his way to a commanding unbeaten century – his fourth in Test cricket.
Though his entire innings was filled with aggressive strokes, Dhoni cut loose after reaching to his three-figure mark. He launched Paul Harris for two consecutive sixes into the long-on boundary and the pacers were treated by powerful pull shots when they tried to counter attack him with short-pitched stuff.
Laxman and Dhoni played with a very well-laid plan, as they went about bringing up a record 259-run partnership for the seventh wicket. While Laxman brought in the stability, Dhoni went for the kill and took the attack on to the bowlers. While their mammoth partnership put India in the position of strength, it had its blemishes too.
Dhoni and Laxman’s distinct style of play did benefit India but a significant contrast in their athleticism brought in some anxious moments. There were a few yes-no situations and misunderstandings while running between the wickets, but fortunately for India, none of them resulted in a run-out.