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VVS Laxman reminisced about the 25th anniversary of India's historic Test victory against Australia at Eden Gardens in 2001. He highlighted the monumental partnership with Rahul Dravid, which saw India overcome a massive deficit and achieve one of cricket's greatest comebacks. Laxman's 281 and Dravid's 180 were pivotal in setting up the win.
NEW DELHI: VVS Laxman, former India batter and current head of the Board of Control for Cricket in India Centre of Excellence, looked back on the 25th anniversary of the famous fourth day of the historic India vs Australia Test at Eden Gardens 2001 — a match remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in cricket history. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
On March 14, 2001, India were on the brink of a crushing defeat on home soil. After losing the first Test of the series heavily, the hosts were forced to follow on in the second match at Eden Gardens. When play began on the fourth morning in Kolkata, India’s situation looked dire.
The team were 254 for 4 in their second innings — still trailing by 20 runs with six wickets remaining. Australia appeared to have complete control and an Indian defeat seemed inevitable. What followed, however, was one of the most remarkable batting performances in Test history.
Laxman, who had resumed on 109 overnight, produced a masterclass with the bat that transformed the course of the match. By the end of the day’s play, he had raced to a stunning 275 not out. At the other end, Rahul Dravid provided the perfect support.