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V.V.S. Laxman leads India counterattack in Sydney

V.V.S. Laxman led an India counterattack with his third consecutive century at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to slow Australia's push for a record-equaling 16th-straight Test victory yesterday.

The 33-year-old batting craftsman from Hyderabad stretched Ricky Ponting's team at the SCG with classic strokeplay for his 12th hundred in his 88th Test match.

Laxman relished his return to the venerable ground, producing his trademark sumptuous drives, scoring 109 off 142 balls with 18 fours to breathe new hope into the tourists after Australia's formidable first innings total of 463.

Before Laxman's arrival shortly after lunch on the second day of the second Test, Andrew Symonds had dominated with his unconquered 162 in Australia's innings.

But the Indian right-hander joined Rahul Dravid at the crease to restore morale after the tourists' 337-run drubbing in the first Test in Melbourne.

Laxman and Dravid fell late in the day, six minutes apart. Dravid was out for a battling 53, caught at first slip by Matthew Hayden off Mitchell Johnson, and Laxman was taken by Mike Hussey off leg-spinner Brad Hogg.

At stumps on day two, India were 216 for three and trailing by 247 runs with Sachin Tendulkar on nine and Sourav Ganguly not out 21.

"Getting a hundred on this ground previously definitely gives you a boost because you've done well and it's familiar conditions. It gives you a lot of confidence," Laxman said.

"I was disappointed that we lost two quick wickets because I really wanted to be not out and carry on tomorrow.

"It's very important how we start off tomorrow morning. If they can build a big partnership we can have a big first innings total and put pressure on the Aussies ... I'm sure Sachin Tendulkar is going to get a double [century] tomorrow," Laxman said.

Laxman and Dravid, who have proved Australia's nemeses with two huge partnerships in the past, amassed 175 runs for the second wicket.

They are renowned for their match-turning 376-run partnership in the second innings of the "Miracle of Calcutta" Test triumph, which ended Australia's march of 16 consecutive wins in 2001.

Australia paid dearly yesterday for Laxman having a life on 77 when he was put down by Adam Gilchrist, fumbling a right glove chance off Brett Lee.

"They were very crucial wickets right at the end," Lee said. "Especially, Laxman because he played a fantastic innings today. We hung in there. That's the Australian way. We always think we've a chance of taking wickets, especially late in the day."

■ S AFRICA V W INDIES

AFP, CAPE TOWN

West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor struck shortly before lunch to break a solid South Africa opening partnership on the second day of the second Test at Newlands yesterday.

South Africa were 52 for one wicket at the interval in reply to the West Indies total of 243.

Taylor had Neil McKenzie caught at slip for 23 after McKenzie and South African captain Graeme Smith put on 46.

McKenzie, in his return to Test cricket after an absence of three-and-a-half years, looked comfortable in the unaccustomed role of an opening batsman as he made 23 off 54 balls.

But then he got a good ball from Taylor, being drawn forward to one that moved away just enough to find the edge, with West Indies captain Chris Gayle taking the catch at first slip.
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