Laxman slams 'defensive' Australia

VVS Laxman blasted his second double century against Australia on Thursday and then took aim at Ricky Ponting’s team, labelling them “defensive”.

Laxman was the star turn on the second day of the third Border-Gavaskar Test, hitting an unbeaten 200 to add to a knock of 206 from opener Gautam Gambhir.

India, already 1-0 up in the best of four Test contest, declared on 613 for seven with Australia reaching 50 without loss by the close.

It means the hosts are virtually guaranteed a draw - and a lead to take to Nagpur for the final game - against an opponent Laxman believes has adopted a negative mindset from the off.

Brett Lee congratulates VVS Laxman on reaching his double ton as India declared on 613 for seven

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“Australia's all-round approach has been very defensive right from the start of the series,” Laxman said.

“The captain has stated his team are underdogs for this series. That in itself shows how defensive they are.

“And Ricky talks more about the Indian team than his own team. Contrast that with our captain Anil (Kumble).

“Despite all the criticism he is facing he is very positive in the way he talks about his team.”

Laxman has been surprised by Australia’s mental approach, adding: “This team is not very different from the team which played us in Australia at the beginning of the year.

"There they beat us 2-1.

“It's just that their mental approach has been different. I really cannot fathom why they have been so defensive in this Test series.”

Laxman and other senior players in the side - Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Kumble and Rahul Dravid - faced severe criticism from the media prior to the series, with many experts suggesting the quintet were a spent force.

Ganguly had already announced that he would retire at the end of the series but Laxman said his bat had done the talking.

"There were all sorts of stories built up before the series in the media but we took it positively and the team got together," he said.

Laxman drives during his unbeaten 200 which contained 21 fours and put India firmly on top

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"It hurts (to know you are being asked to go). We are not asking people to give us more respect than we are due.

"Just give us our due and the right to decide when to go. Players are responsible enough to take the decision when they stop contributing to the team.

"After playing for the country for so long you know when to stop playing.

"Not having made runs in earlier matches was a disappointment and I was keen to contribute to the team.

"I am very happy as this contribution was important from the team's perspective. It was a very satisfying knock.”

The 33-year-old Hyderabadi said the pressure was firmly on Australia.

"They have a huge target in front of them,” he added.

"It is a pressure situation for them and it will be interesting to see how they get out of it.

"The first session tomorrow will be important. A few early wickets will set us up nicely."