Laxman shines for Lancashire again

LONDON: VVS Laxman continues hisprolific run in county cricket, hitting another half-century to guide Lancashireto 226/7 against Yorkshire in their County Championship match at HeadingleyCarnegie. Opting to bat first, Lancashire ran into trouble losingboth their openers when the score read just two before Laxman (50) starred intwo crucial partnerships to steady the ship. With in-form Mal Loye(24), Laxman added 63 runs for the third wicket and then raised 27 more runswith Mark Chilton (73 not out) before the stylish Hyderabadi fell to AdilRashid. Laxman went after the leg-spinner, attempting to launch thedelivery in the stands, and did not get the elevation, offering a catch toMatthew Hoggard at mid-on. Laxman's 121-ball 50 included eight hitsto the fence. In comparison, S Sreesanth's second match for Warwickshire atRiverside was less impressive. Batting first, Warwickshire wasskittled out by Durham for a meagre 135 in 55.1 overs and Sreesanth, an aspiringall-rounder, contributed five off 17 bals that included a four. Inreply, Durham were 173 for four at the end of second day's play and Sreesanthconceded 28 runs in his seven wicket-less overs.