Double delight served at India’s luckiest Test venue

Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman struck double tons against the all-conquering Aussies in the Delhi Test.

The Ferozeshah Kotla crowd was treated to a double delight as both, Gautam Gambhir and Vangipurappu Laxman, struck double centuries to put the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar trophy beyond the reach of Australia.

India declared on 613 for 7 on the second day as soon as Laxman lofted Micheal Clarke to the long on boundry to complete his double ton.

Gambhir, who was eventually out for 206, and Laxman added 278 runs for the fourth wicket to leave the visitors toiling on a Ferozshah Kotla pitch expected to help spin bowlers later.

The wristy Laxman was strong, having completed his 13th test century and sixth against Australia before lunch as the hosts pushed for quick runs to declare after tea.

Gambhir was the first to go after lunch when he tiredly played at a mildly swinging delivery from Watson onto the stumps.

He batted for over nine hours, hitting 26 fours and a six in his 380-ball knock, having scored his second consecutive century on the opening day.

Gambhir and Watson face a disciplinary hearing after play for clashing during the first day.

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Watson had the aggressive Mahendra Singh Dhoni caught behind for 27 after occasional left-arm spinner Simon Katch had Saurav Ganguly (5) well caught by skipper Ricky Ponting at cover.

Laxman, then on 104 in India’s lunch score of 393 for three, steadily accumulated runs despite Ponting placing fielders to deny the batsman his typically wristy shots for boundaries. He struck 21 fours in his almost seven- hour effort.

Australian speedster Brett Lee bowled sharply but failed to add to his only wicket of the first morning and operated without a slip after lunch as the field was spread to check the scoring.

India won the second test by a record 320 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series after the first game was drawn. If India is able to take two or three of the Australian top order wickets before the close on day-2, India will go into the final Test in Nagpur with an unassailable lead of 2-0.