India push for big lead

VVS Laxman closed in on a half-century as India pushed for a sizeable first-innings lead on the third day of the second Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens.

Nightwatchman Amit Mishra denied the Proteas an early breakthrough with an entertaining knock of 28 which spanned much of the first hour after the hosts had resumed on 324 for five.

At the lunch interval, India had extended their advantage over South Africa's first-innings total of 296 to 135 as they reached 431 for six.

Laxman looked in excellent touch in an unbeaten 39, with Mahendra Singh Dhoni on 27.

Laxman began briskly on Tuesday morning, flicking Dale Steyn for consecutive boundaries in the first over and driving Paul Harris past extra cover for another four.

Mishra started confidently, stepping out to cart Harris for a boundary over long-on and slashing Jacques Kallis for two more in one over.

India's cause was aided by some slopping work in the field by South Africa, however, as Mishra was grassed by Kallis on five and again by Graeme Smith at cover on 25.

The tourists eventually took the new ball and Steyn looked threatening, but it was Morne Morkel who struck as Kallis held an excellent catch at second slip to remove Mishra.

Dhoni, cautious at the outset, had shared a 47-run stand with Laxman by the lunch interval.