Laxman, Dhoni centuries put India in the driver's seat

VVS Laxman (143) notched up his 15th Test ton while Mahendra Singh Dhoni (132) recorded his fourth as the India piled up a monumental 643 for six, their highest total against South Africa, before declaring their first innings about half an hour before close of play on the third day at Eden Garden in Kolkata on Tuesday.

The visitors got to face just five balls and were six for no loss before bad light forced play to be stopped early on a day completely dominated by the home team.

Laxman and Dhoni gave a fine exhibition of strokeplay as they stitched a record 259-run partnership for the seventh wicket to put India in a commanding position from where they can push for a series-levelling victory.

With two days left and the Eden track expected to deteriorate, the Proteas are faced with a herculean task to save the game.

Resuming at the overnight score of 342 for five, the hosts lost night watchman Amit Mishra (28) before Laxman, who has produced some of his classy knocks at the Eden, and captain Dhoni virtually batted the visitors out of the contest.

If India manage to win the Test, they will retain their number one position in the ICC Test rankings. However, if the South Africans draw the match and clinch the series 1-0, they will dislodge India from the number one position.