Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman, fondly known as VVS Laxman, etched his name in cricketing history with his exceptional performances against Australia, particularly in Test cricket. His batting against the formidable Australian side, which dominated world cricket in the late 1990s and early 2000s, is remembered for its elegance, resilience, and class.
Laxman’s maiden Test century against Australia came during India’s tour of Australia in 1999-2000. Despite India’s overall disappointing performance, Laxman’s knock at the Sydney Cricket Ground provided a glimpse of his brilliance.
Batting in the second innings, Laxman faced a barrage of short-pitched deliveries from Glenn McGrath but remained undeterred. He caressed full-length deliveries through the covers with ease and pulled majestically from outside off-stump. His timing and placement were impeccable, whether it was a flick off his pads or a drive through the line.
Laxman reached his half-century off just 55 balls and his maiden century off 114 deliveries. He continued to dominate the Australian bowlers, reaching 150 off 172 balls. When he finally fell for 167, caught behind by Adam Gilchrist off Brett Lee, he received a standing ovation from the SCG crowd.
Laxman’s batting exhibition was so magnificent that Justin Langer ran over and congratulated him at the end of his knock. Lee and other Aussie players also applauded him off the field. The “very very special” tag that Laxman carried with him for almost his entire career was perhaps given to him on that day at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
This knock was just a prequel to a historic innings that Laxman played at the Eden Gardens in March 2001. In that match, he scored a match-winning 281 against Australia, helping India to a famous victory.
Laxman scored six Test centuries against Australia during his career, consistently showing his prowess against them. His ability to play against quality fast bowlers like McGrath, Lee, and Jason Gillespie, as well as the legendary spinner Shane Warne, was a testament to his technical brilliance.
Laxman’s performances against Australia are etched in cricketing history, especially for the way he played crucial innings in pressure situations. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure made him one of the finest batsmen in India-Australia contests.
