Laxman hits highest test score by Indian batsman

Vangipurappu Laxman hit the highest score by an Indian batsman - 237 not out - on the fourth day of the second test against Australia.

Laxman, 26, passed Gavaskar, who made 236 not out against West Indies in 1983-84, with a single off Matthew Hayden to reach 237 not out.

Laxman, who completed his maiden test double century in the afternoon session, had hit 40 fours and reached the landmark after a stay of 521 minutes. He had faced 370 balls. He has also hit the maximum number of boundaries ever hit in a Test by an Indian.

He is currently 238 not out as India progressed to 517 for four after tea, with Rahul Dravid on 121 not out.

India went to tea at 491 for four wickets in their second innings after being asked to follow on and now lead by 243 runs.

Dravid, who had made his ninth test century, and Laxman have now raised a record unbroken fifth wicket partnership for India of 285, surpassing the 214 set by Mohammad Azharuddin and Ravi Shastri against England in Calcutta during the 1984-85 series.

Laxman, whose marathon knock has lasted over eight hours, completed his 200 midway through the afternoon session and also surpassed the highest test innings between India and Australia -- 223 by Justin Langer in Sydney early last year.

He hit 39 fours in a total domination of a tiring Australian attack as Rahul Dravid also shed early hesitation to play fluent shots. Laxman scored 156 of his runs in boundaries.

Dravid hit 15 boundaries in his 215-ball knock after reaching his century by hitting leg-spinner Shane Warne through midwicket for four.

India, who resumed at their overnight 254 for four needing 21 runs to make Australia bat again, took lunch at 376 for four as they continued to deny the Australian bowling attack.

Laxman went past his previous best test score was 167, also made against Australia in Sydney early last year, on his way to his double century.

His double century came from 305 balls and took just under seven-and-a-half hours.

Australian skipper Steve Waugh brought in Ricky Ponting and opening batsmen Michael Slater and Matthew Hayden in a desperate bid to break the stand, which threatened to halt Australia's world record run of consecutive test wins at 16.

Australia lead the three-test series 1-0.

Mail Cricket Editor