Gambhir and Laxman get double century: Day 2

Record breaking double centuries to Gautam Gambhir and V.V.S Laxman lifted India to a commanding 613 for seven and into control of the third cricket test against Australia.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.

Laxman(200*) played some fantastic shots and cover drives.The talented right-hander contributed with Gambhir that reduced Australia's chances of recording the victory it needs to square the four-match series after losing the second test by 320 runs last week.When Gambhir scored 200, he was really exhausted. and its proof came when he weirdly played and his 550 minutes and 380 balls innings, finally came to an end when he inside-edged Shane Watson and was bowled in the second session.

By the time Gambhir went, India were 435 for 4. It was all rather academic after that. Laxman kept scoring, the lower order gave him impressive support and Australia kept toiling without much hope of achieving anything of real value.Anil Kumble(45) and Z.Khan (28*) gave him good support and India declared their innings at 613/7.

Australia certainly had another bad day, and the best thing was to see expression of Ponting after every boundry by Gambhir or Laxman.He was frustrated so much that he himself came for bowling.(LOL!!).

In bowling, Johnson completed 3-142 & Watson completed 2-66.Australia,in total, used 8 bowlers, and Johnson was the successful among them.

On the second successive day of complete Indian domination, Australia's greatest achievement was simply getting to stumps without losing a wicket. M.Hayden(16*) and S.Katich(29*) added 50 run partnership at the end of day2.

Stats watch:

• Gautam Gambhir is now top scorer against Australia as a left handed opener.
• Laxman is the second Indian to complete 2000 runs against Australia after Sachin Tendulkar.
• Laxman is involved in 200+ partnership for 4 times...which is highest by any cricketer.

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