Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly was delighted with his side's position after his century stand with Vangipurappu Laxman gave them a 259-run lead at Queen's Park Oval.

Their tactic now is to extend the lead before declaring and hope spin bowlers Harbhajan Singh can exploit a detriorating pitch on the final day.

"We were a little bit on the back foot at 56 for four - the wicket is up and down a bit and I reckon it will turn as the Test match goes on.

"A 300-run lead is very important when you are trying to win a Test match so nice knocks under pressure count for more. The same thing for Laxman, he played superbly under pressure," said Ganguly.

He finished on 48 not out, with Laxman on 60 - his third half century of the series.

"He's a quality player. He's done well over the last year. I'm not surprised at the way he's played. He's got a long career (ahead) for India," Ganguly added.

The tourists are looking for a lead of at least 350, but Ganguly is conscious of how India made 406 for four in the fourth innings to win a Test at the same ground in 1976.

"Nothing is impossible, but we have to give enough time for the bowlers to take wickets."

He added: "There are still two days to go, the wicket is doing a bit, it will do a bit more at the Test match progresses.

"We've got Harbhajan Singh and there is a lot of rough for the off-spinner outside the off-stump for the right-handers.

"If we can put another 100 runs on we've got a very good chance of winning the Test match."