Indian batsman VVS Laxman scored his second century in a week as Lancashire built a healthy 150-run lead over Hampshire on a superb Rose Bowl batting track.

Laxman, who reached a ton in the previous fixture against Yorkshire, ended the third day 135 not out as the Hampshire attack wilted in the sunshine and without getting any help from the easy-paced surface.

Lancashire began the third day still 231 in arrears in their first innings and 106 for one but they went through the whole day losing only three wickets and two of those fell in successive overs.

Opening batsman Tom Smith, who last week recorded a career-best six for 46 against Yorkshire, went onto make 95, his best score with the bat but a first century eluded him.

Lancashire did not lose a wicket in the first session although Mal Loye survived catches at slip and in the gully as Lancashire went in at lunch 210 for one.

But in the first over after the break Smith got an outside edge to a delivery from pace bowler David Griffiths and wicketkeeper Tom Burrows took a regulation catch.

Smith's best championship score came off 171 balls and included 14 fours.

Lancashire were reduced to 214 for three in the next over when Loye was beaten on the back foot to be lbw to Hampshire captain Dimitri Mascarenhas but it was their last success until late into the evening session.

By then Laxman had been joined by Mark Chilton in a punishing stand of 216 for the fourth wicket.

Laxman was at his Test-quality best in reaching the 49th century of his first-class career while Chilton looked certain to follow him to the century mark.

But with the score at 430 and after hitting 81, Chilton attempted to pull the tenacious Griffiths and got a faint touch which was snapped up by wicketkeeper Burrows.

But Francois du Plessis came together with Laxman to see Lancashire through to the close at 487 for four.

At this stage Laxman was still going strong having faced 175 balls and after striking 19 fours and a six in an innings of typical authority and artistry.

Du Plessis took advantage of a tiring attack in which nine bowlers were used to strike eight fours in his brisk 38 not out and only Griffiths can take any mild pleasure from his bowling performance.

The Isle of Wight-born youngster, playing only because of an injury to first choice Chris Tremlett, finished the day with figures of three for 74 from 22 hostile overs.