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Lakshman and Eden Gardens – The romantic affair continues

VVS Lakshman, with a brilliant 143 and M.S Dhoni notching up 132 played their roles to perfection as the South Africans felt the heat when the pair consolidated India’s position on the third day of the second cricket test between India and South Africa. The South Africans were not their usual self, as the visiting team dropped many catches, with the seventh wicket partnership between Lakshman and Dhoni registering 259 runs, taking the total lead to 347.

It must have been a declaration made from sheer instincts, as Dhoni declared the innings and let the South Africans face five deliveries, who were 6 for no loss, before play was called off owing to poor light. Earlier, the day had plenty to offer as both India and South Africa were expected to battle it out to take control of the second test. Lakshman, the artistic wonder, played some lovely flicks and drives to the delight of the audience with Amit Mishra proving to be a thorn in the South African flesh. Dropped by Kallis, Amit Mishra dug his heels in to provide able support to Lakshman as the two helped India Inch ahead to a lead of 88 runs. Dhoni joined Laksman in the run hunt after Mishra departed, with the second new ball posing problems to both Dhoni and Lakshman.

M.S. Dhoni made his intentions clear as he batted with watchfulness, and treated bad deliveries with disdain, as they were dispatched to the boundaries with élan, as he pulled Dale Steyn as well employed the cut shot to grow in confidence. Both the Indian batsmen taking advantage of the reprieves, with the South African fielding looking off-color, helped themselves to remarkable centuries, as Dhoni started to go after the bowling when the hundred was up alongside his name. Though not technically the soundest, sheer guts and self-confidence has let Dhoni reach such heights, as he again proved his mettle with a ton to put India in the driver’ seat.

India would now be looking to square the series and the fourth day of this Eden Garden test is surely an acid test for Smith & Co.

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