V.V.S. Laxman also referred as very, very special Laxman, is a former Indian cricketer. He played 86 ODI’s and 134 Tests for India. He was one of the best batsmen, team India has ever produced. During his tenure, he scored 23 centuries and 66 half-centuries.
Out of his several classy innings, some of his innings have cast an everlasting impression upon us. These innings have made him the legend that he is today. Below are five of his all-time great innings.
5. 178(298) vs Australia- 4th Test, 2004
India and Australia faced each other in their 4th test at Sydney in 2004. India batted first and posted a huge total of 705/7. Laxman batted at the 5th position and scored an unbelievable 178 runs. He faced 298 deliveries and hit 30 fours. Laxman along with Tendulkar had put a partnership of 353 runs.
This was Laxman’s 7th test Century and 5th against Australia. The century provided India in a commendable state and was almost inching towards victory. However, Australia managed to draw the match somehow. This was one helluva inning from Laxman.
4. 107(104) vs Pakistan- 5th ODI, 2004
India and Pakistan encounters are always wonderful to watch. Both the team brings extreme passion and aggression on the field. One such match was this one. Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. India had an outstanding batting line up, but it was VVS Laxman who stole the show.
Laxman put a mammoth total of 107 runs alone. He hit 11 boundaries. This century was Laxman’s last ODI century. India posted a total of 293/7. Pakistan started well but crumbled later. They could only manage 253 for the loss of 10 wickets. Laxman was rewarded with the man of the match award for his classy innings.
3. 200(301) vs Australia- 3rd Test, 2008
VVS Laxman once again played a miraculous innings for India against Australia. India batted first and Laxman entered at number 5 position. He batted nearly 465 minutes to score the 2nd double century in his career. India got the upper hand and posted a total of 613/7.
In the 2nd Innings also, Laxman put up a valiant 59 runs on the scoreboard. He was fantastic throughout the match and was thus rewarded with the man of the match award. This was a ‘very very special’ innings from him.
2. 103(113)* vs Australia- 5th Match, VB Series, 2004
Even though Laxman is one of the best test Batsman in the world, it was not often that we would see him score a century in ODI. In such innings of him, he surprised the whole world by scoring against Australia. Laxman had a special affinity towards Australia. It was his 3rd ODI century and 3rd against Australia as well.
Laxman came to bat at the number 3 position and hammered the Australian bowlers. He hit 8 boundaries and scored 103 runs not out. This helped India post a total of 303/4. The bowlers did a phenomenal performance and restricted the mighty Aussies to 284 for the loss of 10 wickets.
Laxman won the man of the match award once again.
1. 281(452) vs Australia, 2nd Test-2001
This is perhaps the best Innings VVS Laxman has ever played in his entire career. Till date, this remains the most talked about Innings of his. India were forced to follow on in their first Innings. But Laxman still managed to score 59 runs.
