India v Australia, 3rd Test, Delhi, 2nd day
VVS Laxman has piled on more than 2000 Test runs against Australia over the years and finished the innings with his second Test double-century © AFP
VVS Laxman tormented Australia with his second Test double-century and Gautam Gambhir registered his first as India batted themselves into an almost unconquerable position in the third Test. On the second successive day of complete Indian domination, Australia's greatest achievement was simply getting to stumps without losing a wicket.
But Matthew Hayden and Simon Katich were given a preview of the challenge that awaits them as the legspinners Amit Mishra and Anil Kumble spun a few deliveries viciously out of the footmarks that Australia's bowlers had created over nearly 12 hours in the field. The openers batted out 15 overs after Kumble delayed his declaration to allow Laxman to reach 200.
As soon as the milestone came with a lofted on-drive off Michael Clarke, India's batsmen were called in. They had done their job. If the first day did not consign Australia to an unwinnable position, the second day must surely have managed it. Gambhir and Laxman compiled a mammoth 278-run partnership that left Australia tired, frustrated and wicketless for nearly three sessions. In spite of Gambhir's achievement at his home ground, the day belonged to Laxman.
His list of achievements was impressive: he went past 2000 Test runs against Australia; he recorded his sixth Test century against them; and he turned it into his second highest Test score, behind his 2000-01 effort of 281 at Eden Gardens, an innings that still gives a few Australians sleepless nights. If ever there was proof of his love of this opposition it's his list of top Test innings - his best four are all against Australia.
Laxman began the day in ominous touch and pulled brilliantly when Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson dropped short. He stalled for a while on 99 before driving Cameron White comfortably through cover for four and went on to cause problems for all the bowlers. The Australians helped him by regularly straying onto his pads and it was like handing Cookie Monster control of the Arnott's factory.
