Laxman, Dhoni revive India

New Delhi, November 23:

Venkatsai Laxman and Mahendra Singh Dhoni cracked half-centuries to pull India out of trouble in the first Test against Pakistan. India had slipped from 71-1 to 93-5 in the space of seven overs before Dhoni (57) counter-attacked to put on 115 for the sixth wicket with Laxman.

India reached 228-6 at stumps on the second day in reply to Pakistan’s 231, with Laxman batting on 57 and Anil Kumble on seven. Pakistan bounced back into the match when Sho-aib Akhtar and Sohail Tanvir shared four wickets to put India on the back foot.