Hyderabad, Nov 14 (IANS) V.V.S Laxman made a strokeful 74 to carry India to 323 for five in the first innings at tea on the third day of the second cricket Test against New Zealand here Sunday.
Laxman, who struck 11 fours in 159 balls, and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (10) were at the crease with India trailing by 27 runs.
The New Zealand bowlers kept India on a tight leash, making them pay for every run. Laxman, playing his first Test at home, broke the shackles with his trademark shots through the covers.
Tim Southee, who bowled admirably throughout the innings, got his reward when he trapped Rahul Dravid (45) lbw with the second new ball. Laxman and Dravid put on 75 runs for the fourth wicket.
Laxman was the joined by Raina (20), who was dismissed by Vettori (3-81). They added 52 runs.
Earlier, India lost the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar (13) in the morning session and added only 59 runs in the 30 overs before lunch.
Tendulkar, who is one short of a record 50 Test hundreds, hardly looked convincing in the middle.
The master blaster, in an attempt to break the shackles, came down the track to loft Vettori, but found the edge that flew to first slip Ross Taylor, who caught a blinder stretching his right hand.
