North Zone are in a commanding position as they picked three quick wickets by the close of the third day's play against South Zone in the Duleep Trophy match at the IGMC stadium in Vijayawada on Saturday. Brilliant hundreds by captain VVS Laxman and T Kumaran were the highlight of the day's play as South Zone closed the third day on 372/6. Surendra Singh has been the bowling hero so far, picking up four wickets. South Zone are still 336 runs behind the huge North Zone score of 708/8 declared.

Commencing at 41/2, night-watchman Kumaran and Laxman added 237 runs in 67.4 overs. Kumaran who is better known for his bowling skills, played like a frontline batsman and scored a brilliant century. Kumaran made 106 runs in his 285 minute innings facing 219 deliveries and striking 14 boundaries, before being dismissed by Surendra Singh. The Tamil Nadu left hander, Hemang Badani came in next to join Laxman who had completed his hundred by then. Badani was as fluent as ever stroking the ball to the fence eight times in his innings of 44 made in 70 balls. Singh accounted for the fall of Badani, caught brilliantly by Dinesh Mongia. South Zone were losing their way a little at 359/4 at that stage.

VVS Laxman who is having an amazing domestic season with the bat continued with his brilliant form. Vijaywada was the venue for yet another big score by this Hyderabad batsman. Before being dismissed by Ghag at 361, Laxman had amassed 179 runs. Laxman who was completely at ease in his 349 minute stay at the crease, faced 254 balls to punish the bowling all around for 29 fours and a six. D Ganesh was the night watchman who was put into use by South Zone at the fall of Badani's fall. When Laxman departed, Robin Singh came in to steady the rocking South Zone innings. Ganesh was trapped by Surendra Singh for 6 to leave the South innings in serious trouble at 372/6. Play was called off for the day due to bad light at the point, leaving Robin Singh unbeaten on 7.

© CricInfo