Complex sentence: Laxman came to the crease just before the end of Day 3 and proceeded to change the course of both the match and the series by hitting 281, at that time the record for an Indian Test batsman.
Split into simpler sentences: Laxman came to the crease just before the end of Day 3, and proceeded to change the course of the match and the series. He struck for 281, at that time the record for an Indian Test batsman.