Australia 463 India 216-3: Laxman continues rich form against Australia to keep tourists in touch

V V S Laxman hit his fifth Test century against Australia to help India reach 216 for 3 at the end of day two of the second Test here yesterday. Laxman, who recorded his third century at the SCG, batted fluently to make 109 from 127 balls before he was caught by Mike Hussey off the spin of Brad Hogg.

Rahul Dravid also made a battling fifty to leave India 247 runs behind the hosts who earlier made 463 thanks largely to a spirited 162 not out from Andrew Symonds who beat his previous highest Test score of 156 against England during last year's Ashes.

Wasim Jaffer and Dravid took to the crease shortly before lunch, and the former was out for three bowled by a beautiful yorker from Brett Lee.

Laxman joined Dravid and they put on an impressive stand for the rest of the session, with the No 3 hitting 14 fours to reach 73 to take India to 101 for 1 at tea. Laxman reached three figures in the 48th over with a wristy pull through midwicket off Hogg, but Dravid was dismissed for 53 after wafting at a wide ball from Mitchell Johnson and edging it to Matthew Hayden at slip.

Laxman went moments later when Hogg tossed up a delivery outside off stump which he chipped to Hussey at short cover. Sachin Tendulkar (nine not out) and Sourav Ganguly (21no) came to the crease with India on 185 for 3 and saw out the remaining overs.