31-Oct-2008 06:00:00 GMT
Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2008, Delhi TestGambhir and Laxman Push Aussie At Backfoot, 3rd Test, 2nd day
New Delhi: There was no mercy for Australian bowlers on the second day of the third Test here at the Ferozeshah Kotla as Indian notched up 613 for seven before declaring their first innings immediately after VVS Laxman had notched up his double century. India's massie first innings total of 613 for seven was built around Laxman unbeaten 200 (301b, 21x4) and Gautam Gambhir 206 (380b, 26x4, 1x6), their stand for the fourth wicket being worth 278.
Australia 50 without loss at stumps, are now left with an arduous job as they try to save the Test, the series and their reputation. They were fortunate not to lose Simon Katich against whome an extremely close leg-before appeal by Amit Mishra was turned down by umpire Bill Bowden.
Highlights of the Day
- Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman slammed double hundreds as the Aussie kept chasing the leather almost the entire day. The only respite for the visitors was the good start provided by Hayden and Katich.
- 613 runs scored by India for the loss of seven wickets. It is their highest ever total at Ferozeshah Kotla. Their previous highest score was 566 for 8 wickets declared, against the West Indies in 1978-79.
- Five times India have recorded totals of 600-plus against Australia. In the last 15 yhears, only three 600+ totals have been recorded against Australia and all three times, it has been India
- Two players who have aggregated more than 2000 runs in India-Australia Test. VVS Laxman has joined Sachin Tendulkar in the elite list with a tally of 2077 runs in 23 matches. Tendulkar has scored 2580 runs in 28 Tests.
- Gautam Gambhir became the first left-handed opener to get a double hundred against Aussie. The previous-highest score was 185 by England's Bob Barber at Sydney in January 1966.
