2nd Test: WI 34/2, trail India by 597 on Day 2

Kolkata: Centuries by VVS Laxman and skipper MS Dhoni helped India firm their grip on day two of the second Test against the West Indies, who ended the day at 34 for two, still 597 runs behind the hosts' mammoth first innings score of 631 for seven declared at the Eden Gardens on Tuesday.

The day belonged to Dhoni, who struck a stroke-filled 144 in a 220-run partnership with Laxman, who remained not out at 176 when Dhoni called his troops back.

Earlier in the day, Yuvraj Singh once again failed in the Test arena when he was trapped lbw by Windies skipper Darren Sammy after the southpaw had scored an edgy 25.

Dhoni then joined Laxman and made full use of the two lives he got after Kemar Roach got him out twice off no-balls. Laxman then brought up his 17th hundred, followed by Dhoni, who upped the ante after his fifty to reach his fifth Test century.

Light faded alarmingly just before lunch, forcing the umpires to take the break early; however, the light improved in the next half an hour, allowing play to resume post lunch.

Once Dhoni got out, fading light forced the Indian skipper to declare earlier than he would have liked, keeping in mind the safety of his bowlers.

Dhoni then opened with left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha from one end and Umesh Yadav from the other. Yadav didn't disappoint his skipper and removed Adrian Barath early. Ashwin then came on to make it two early wickets for India, after which the umpires stopped play due to bad light.

India are looking to clinch the three-match series after winning the opening test by five wickets.

West Indies manager Richie Richardson said the team should not lose hope.

"It's a very good wicket and we have just got to go and bat the same way," Richardson said. "The Indian bowlers are going to put pressure on us but we have the ammunition to go out there and bat for the next two days."

Laxman's fifth century at Eden Gardens tied former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin's record.

"It is always a special feeling playing at this venue. Eden Gardens is a great place to play cricket, especially with all the spectators here, even though there are not many this time." Laxman said.