Jason Gillespie Hails VVS Laxman's 281 At The Eden Gardens As One Of The Best Test Innings
Jason Gillespie. (Credits: Twitter)

Former Australian speedster Jason Gillespie was part of the unfortunate Test match in Kolkata in 2001 when VVS Laxman hit 281 to spark an unlikely Indian win. Jason Gillespie, who part of the bowling attack that had Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Michael Kasprowicz as frontline bowlers, could not dislodge India’s batting line-up in the second innings. Gillespie hailed Laxman’s 281 as one of the best innings in Test history.

Australia’s first innings of 445 and the tourists dismissing India for 171, followed by the hosts coming out to bat again as Steve Waugh enforced the follow-on. The home side did not succumb so quickly and the 376-run stand between VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid resulted in a comeback for the ages. Australia had to bowl 178 overs before India declared to leave the tourists 384 to win and ultimately lost by 171 runs.

Jason Gillespie Hails VVS Laxman's 281 At The Eden Gardens As One Of The Best Test Innings
VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid. (Credits: Twitter)

Jason Gillespie recalled that the conversation during India’s second innings was that they were playing well; however, it takes one poor shot to have a wicket. Gillespie revealed that poor shot did not follow and remembered distracting VVS Laxman to put him off. The South Australian pointed out that it was outstanding innings and a top effort.

“The talk was basically that they were playing well, however, it only takes one ball or one poor shot and we can get a wicket. Unfortunately, the poor shot didn’t eventuate! I did try to distract VVS by flapping my arms like a bird as I was running in to bowl to put him off! It was one of the best innings in Test history. A superb knock,” Gillespie told Sportstar.

Was truly sick of bowling to VVS Laxman: Jason Gillespie

Jason Gillespie Hails VVS Laxman's 281 At The Eden Gardens As One Of The Best Test Innings
Jason Gillespie. (Credits: Web)

Jason Gillespie went on to recall his first India trip with the U-19 side when Laxman kept piling on the runs, hitting tons one after the other. The 45-year old disclosed that he got sick and tired of bowling to the right-handed batsman by the end of his career.

“I remember my first trip to India with the Australian Under-19 side and V. V. S. was hitting hundred after hundred back then too. I was well and truly sick of bowling to him by the end of my career,” he added.

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