Almost missed Eden Test: VVS
MUMBAI: Such is the aura associated with VVS Laxman’s epic, match-turning 281 against Steve Waugh’s world-beating Australia in the Eden Gardens Test of 2001 that his other equally important knocks hardly receive the kind of attention they should.
However, during the Mumbai launch of Laxman’s autobiography --- 281 and Beyond --- which he has co-authored with journalist R Kaushik—the Hyderabad great’s other memorable knocks and life events were also discussed and dissected with gusto.
One such knock—an elegant 178 against Australia in the Sydney Test of 2004---came in for special praise from Sachin Tendulkar.
Laxman shared a 353-run stand with Tendulkar, who scored a career-defining 241 not out. That Tendulkar knock is regarded a masterclass in restraint as he didn’t play a single cover drive.
“I had blocked my cover drive completely but what happens at the other end is Laxman was completely polishing them off. He was in a different mood and I felt I had the best seat in the stadium watching him bat,” Tendulkar said.
Apart from showing exemplary understanding while batting together, Tendulkar and Laxman share a cordial bond outside the cricket field. Laxman on Thursday recalled one incident in Germany when Tendulkar helped him get an appointment with a doctor, which he was finding hard to get.
Talking about his impressive record against Australia, Laxman said it was the motivation to perform well against the best team in the world that motivated him.
“The best came against Australia because the way they approached the game. They were the best team and could win anywhere. But if any team challenged them apart from England, who won the 2005 Ashes series, it was Indian team, whether we played them in India or Australia. This really got the best of us,” he said.
RECALLING EDEN
Last but not least, his epic 281 did find a mention in the discussion.
Laxman said about the knock: “281 was a significant achievement as far as I am concerned because the situation we were in. Also I was not fit enough to play that Test. Hemang Badani was there in the physio room when I walked into (former physio) Andrew Leipus. I actually feel because of him I was able to play the Test.”
India stared at an innings defeat when Laxman and Rahul Dravid (180) got together, raising an epic 376-run partnership.
Laxman acknowledged Dravid’s contribution.
“Credit to Rahul the way he kept motivating me at the other end and playing such a fantastic knock. But that partnership with Rahul was so important,” Laxman reminisced.
It sparked a revival as India went on to topple Australia 2-1 in the series.