VVS Laxman continues scoring big at Eden

VVS Laxman, in company with MS Dhoni, saw off the tricky period with the second new ball, put together the second double-century stand of the innings, and proceeded to virtually bat South Africa out of the Test. It was Laxman's fourth hundred in nine Eden Gardens Tests, taking his tally at his beloved ground to 1041 runs at 94.63, and only the second instance of four Indian batsmen scoring centuries in the same Test innings. Laxman was to be the solid anchorman, and the others were to score quickly around him, yet going at a strike-rate of 55.

The crucial period of play on the third day was just after nightwatchman Amit Mishra had got out for an entertaining cameo. The lead had reached 88, but with the second new ball Dale Steyn had found his swing back. Morne Morkel was the usual aggressive self, and had Mishra's wicket in his bag. Laxman was caught in a shell, not struggling but having let Mishra take the ascendancy. South Africa could sense a comeback, and were giving it their best, with their best bowlers bowling in tandem.

That was when Laxman weathered the storm. He handled the fast bowlers well. He left well outside off, didn't let the bouncer barrage or a spell of no runs for 37 deliveries rattle him. The closest South Africa came to getting a wicket then was an inside edge that flew to the left of the keeper. Once Morkel went off - he had fever - runs came easily, the storm had been weathered, and it was time to accumulate.

Apart from one dropped catch when on 48, Laxman, untested, unquestioned, sauntered towards his 15th Test hundred. He was unhurried, there were lovely inside-out drives, flicks out of the rough against Harris, and of course using the fast bowlers' pace for scoring on the on side. After he reached his centuries, he naturally accelerated. Still unhurried, just flicking more and playing more inside-out shots than before. From 100 off 203, he went to 143 off 260, facilitating a declaration.