Windies falter after Laxman, Dhoni run riot

Venkatsai Laxman and Mahendra Singh Dhoni led India's run-spree with superb centuries to put their team in command on the second day of the second Test against a hapless West Indies on Tuesday.

Middle-order batsman Laxman hit a stylish 176 not out and skipper Dhoni a robust 144 as India posted a massive 631-7 declared in their first innings at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The West Indies faltered in reply, reaching 34-2 when play was called off due to bad light. Kirk Edwards was unbeaten on 12 and Darren Bravo on four not out.

Indian seamer Umesh Yadav struck in his first over when he had Adrian Barath (one) caught by Virender Sehwag at second slip before off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin removed Kraigg Brathwaite (17), caught by Gautam Gambhir at short-leg.

Laxman hit 12 fours in his 17th Test hundred, and the fifth at this venue, while Dhoni smashed five sixes and 10 fours in his fifth Test century as India continued to gather runs comfortably against both pace and spin.

The duo exposed the West Indies' bowling limitations on a slow pitch with a 224-run stand for the seventh wicket as the hosts added 285 runs to their overnight total of 346-5. KOLKATA, AFP