KOLKATA, India, (Reuters) – Vangipurappu Laxman  crafted an unbeaten 143 yesterday to put India in a position to  retain the world number one ranking and revive memories of his  epic innings in the 2000-1 series against Australia.

Laxman shared in an Indian record seventh-wicket stand of  259 with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (132 not out) which put  India in sight of a series-levelling victory in the second and  final test at Eden Gardens.

India posted 643 for six declared to take a lead of 347 on  the third day after resuming on 342-5. South Africa were six  without loss at the close.

Laxman hit a magnificent 281 at the same venue to help India  script a sensational turnaround after following on to end  Australia’s 16-match winning streak.

“I really feel happy whenever I do well and bail the team  out of tough situations,” Laxman told reporters after scoring  his 15th test century.

South Africa, bidding for their first series victory in  India in a decade, had rallied with three late wickets on Monday  after centuries by Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag out  India in control.

“This morning it was crucial because we had lost three quick  wickets yesterday evening,” said Laxman, who missed the opening  test due to injury.

MISSED CHANCES
“I thought (nightwatchman) Amit Mishra (28) played really  well and he brought the momentum back to our team this morning  by some of the attacking shots that he played.

“Obviously then the big partnership between me and MS Dhoni  took away the game from South Africa.”

The tourists, 1-0 in the series, delayed the second new ball  by fours overs in gloomy morning coditions that allowed Laxman  and Mishra settle down.

South Africa failed to take at least five chances on the  field, two of them off Laxman (23 and 48) as India steadily  regained control.

“If you don’t take your opportunities against a good side,  you’re going to pay the price,” South Africa’s batting  consultant Kepler Wessels said.

“We expected India to come back strongly. They’re a very  good team under their own conditions. We certainly expected them  to put up this sort of fight.”

South Africa will reclaim the number one ranking if they win  the series.

“We’re in a position where we have to save the game to win  the series. There’s two days of tough test cricket ahead and  we’ll fight as hard as we can,” Wessels said.