I needed to keep concentration high because the Zimbabwe attack was not too challenging VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman compiled an unbeaten century to put India in control of the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.

Laxman was 125 not out at close of play after hitting 18 fours in his 186-ball innings, with India 325-3 in reply to the home side's 279 all out.

He shared a stand of 130 with Rahul Dravid, who made 77 before he became the third victim of Blessing Mahwire.

Irfan Pathan took 5-58 in Zimbabwe's first innings as home skipper Tatenda Taibu ran out of partners on 71.

They managed to add only 14 to their overnight total at the start of play as Pathan polished off the tail.

He removed Keith Dabengwa for 35 with the help of Laxman's catch, ending a 59-run partnership with skipper Tatenda Taibu.

The next delivery saw Gavin Ewing depart lbw for nought, and Pathan wrapped up the innings by bowling Mahwire for four.

India made a flying start in reply as Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir put on 88 in 16 overs but Sehwag was bowled with the last ball before lunch as he played across the line to a straight one.

Gambhir followed soon after the re-start when he was caught by Brendan Taylor but once Laxman had settled in, he and Dravid looked in total control of the situation.

It came as a surprise when Dravid was caught by Taylor with a hundred seemingly there for the taking, but Laxman did not waste the opportunity and reached three figures for the eighth time in a Test by cracking a ball from Andy Blignaut through the covers for his 15th four.

It was his first Test hundred since January 2004.