Australia vs India 2018/19: SCG Century Was the Turning Point of My Career - VVS Laxman

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman believes his maiden Test hundred of 167 runs against Australia while playing at the Sydney Cricket Ground was the turning point of his career. Laxman had scored 249 in his first 15 innings and his place in the side was hanging by a thin thread.

However, Laxman first hundred in the Test arena went in vain as India lost the Test match. In fact, Laxman was able to prove what he brings to the table after his classical innings. Thus, all the doubts over his place were blown away.

Laxman had a fine record against Australia.

Laxman grew in confidence after scoring runs against the best in the business. Australia had a potent side at that time and it was a fine knock from the Hyderabad batsman.

“Sydney and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) holds a special place in my heart. The 167 was the turning point for me because I finally gained the confidence that I can do well against the best in the world. The Australian attack consisted of guys like Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Damien Fleming and Brett Lee — who was breathing fire at that time. Before getting that hundred, I felt that I didn’t belong on the international stage,” Laxman said here recently, during an event to promote his book ‘281 And Beyond’.

In fact, Laxman recalled that he was on his toes when he was hit on the helmet by Glenn McGrath. Thus, Laxman came up a with a fine inning to prove his mettle.

“It woke me up. When you play quality bowlers like McGrath, you are bound to have difficult moments. It is very, very important to forget about the previous ball and focus only on the present,” Laxman said.

Meanwhile, VVS Laxman stitched a gargantuan partnership with Sachin Tendulkar in Sydney on 2003-04 tour. Tendulkar was struggling with his cover drive in the series and had got out while attempting to play the cover drive. However, during his 241 runs knock, the Master Blaster decided not to take out the cover drive from his arsenal.

“Sachin’s self-control was unbelievable. I had the best seat in the house (Sachin and Laxman put on 353 runs for the fourth wicket). Sachin didn’t play the cover drive even to part-time bowlers like Simon Katich, Damien Martyn and Steve Waugh. That shows his mental fortitude. It’s so difficult to keep one shot locked up because once you reach 100 or 150, you get into the flow and start playing your natural strokes,” Laxman said.

VVS Laxman has a lot of sweet memories while playing for the Indian team. The flamboyant batsman played with and against one of the best in the game.