Happy Birthday VVS Laxman: 5 Very Very Special innings from the willow of VVS

Very Very Special.

If someone asked you to describe his career in just three words, that would be the aptest way of describing it. In a career that spanned 16 years, VVS Laxman’s artistry with the willow made for surreal viewing. His wrists worked magic, gaps were born when he was at his best and the bowlers appeared absolutely flummoxed as Laxman unleashed his sorcery on the field.

The Hyderabadi maestro featured in 134 Tests for India and scored 8,781 runs at an average of 45.97. But then, more than the numbers, it was the myriad of memories that Laxman left behind that will define his celebrated career.

As he turns 46 today, let us have a look at five greatest knocks played by VVS Laxman in the white flannels:

1. 167 vs Australia, Sydney

It was a bowling attack that consisted of the likes of Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Shane Warne and Damien Fleming. It was a bowling attack that had skittled the Indian batting line up for just 150 in the first innings. But then, all this did not make any difference to Laxman.

India were faced with a deficit of 402 runs in the second innings, as Laxman came out to open the batting. The right-hander was hit flush on the helmet by a vicious bouncer by Glenn McGrath. But, Laxman was unfazed. The batting maestro took the attack to the Australians and stamped his authority all over the opposition.

McGrath was driven past cover; Fleming was pulled through mid-wicket; Brett Lee was cut with dexterity, and spin wizard Shane Warne was whipped through the leg side.

Laxman’s innings lasted 198 balls, and he waltzed his way to a mercurial 167 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. But, this effort from Laxman turned futile, as the other Indian batsmen failed to step up, as Australia crushed the visitors by an innings and 141 runs.