/world sport
SYDNEY, Australia -- VVS Laxman hit a sparkling century as India hit back against all-conquering Australia on the second day of the second Test in Sydney.
Laxman acknowleges the crowd after reaching his fifth Test century and third at the SCG.
His fifth Test ton helped India reach 216 for three by stumps in reply to Australia's score of 463.
Laxman, who recorded his third century at the SCG off 127 balls, batted fluently for 109 before he was caught by Mike Hussey off the bowling of spinner Brad Hogg.
Rahul Dravid also made a battling half-century to leave India 247 runs behind the hosts -- who owed their first innings total to a fine 162 not out from Andrew Symonds.
Australia had began the morning 376 for seven and Brett Lee racked up his fourth Test half-century before he fell lbw for 59.
Mitchell Johnson hit 28 runs off 30 balls before he was caught on the leg-side boundary while Stuart Clark was trapped lbw for a duck by Anil Kumble to end the hosts' innings with Symonds leaving to a standing ovation.
Wasim Jaffer and Dravid took to the crease as India began their innings shortly before lunch, and the former was dismissed in the sixth over when he was bowled by a fine delivery from Lee for three.
Laxman joined Dravid in the middle and the two produced an impressive stand for the remainder of the session, with the number three hitting 14 fours to reach an unbeaten 73 to take India to 101 for one at tea.
Laxman reached three figures in the 48th over with a wristy pull through midwicket off the bowling of leg spinner Brad Hogg -- his 17th four of a peerless innings.
While Laxman played effortlessly, Dravid's innings was much more watchful and he reached his half-century off 158 balls shortly afterwards.
But Dravid's stay at the crease lasted just two more balls as he was dismissed for 53 after wafting at a short ball from Johnson, finding the hands of Matthew Hayden at first slip.
Laxman's innings was over moments later when Hogg tossed up a delivery outside off stump which he chipped into the air and Mike Hussey took a comfortable catch at short cover.
Experienced pair Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly saw India to the close without further loss and their partnership could be the key to the outcome of the match with Australia seeking a record-equalling 16th straight Test win. E-mail to a friend 
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