IANS

Kolkata, Feb 17: Among the third day audience of the second Test between India and South Africa cricket Test were two of Kolkata's favourite sons - Sourav Ganguly and Leander Paes - cheering for the home team.

The camerapersons flocked round the two VIP spectators at the sports arena when they walked in to take their places.

For local boy Ganguly, who grew up as a cricketer practising at the Eden Gardens, this was the first Test match at the venue after his retirement from international cricket. The former India captain entered in the post-lunch session, and was at the stadium when V.V.S. Laxman completed his half-century.

Paes, on the other hand, was there by the post-tea session, accompanied by wife Rhea Pillai and four-year-old daughter Aiyana.

Brimming with enthusiasm, Leander profusely applauded when Laxman and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni completed their hundreds.

Later, in a chat with mediapersons, Leander said that he was missing Ganguly in the team.

On Monday, at a function Leander had described his Sunday evening's meeting with 'Captain Fantastic' Mahendra Singh Dhoni as a memorable occasion.