Harbhajan Singh Rates VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid as India's Two Best Ever Middle-Order Batsmen
Updated - 14 Mar 2018, 02:24 PM
Off-spinner Harbhajan recently rated VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid as India’s best-ever middle-order batsmen.
Meanwhile, 17 years ago on this day, Laxman and Dravid stitched a 376-run partnership to snatch victory from Australia. Further, Harbhajan also played a significant role in that match bagging 13 wickets including a hattrick.
Meanwhile, it was the second of the third Test at the Eden Gardens. Australia came to India on the back of 15 straight wins while India under Sourav Ganguly had also made giant strides in international cricket. Australia won the first Test by ten wickets taking their tally to 16. However, India made a remarkable comeback in the second Test.
India got all out for 171 after Australia posted 445 runs in their first innings despite Harbhajan picking a seven-wicket haul. Australia skipper Steve Waugh made India follow-on, and the rest went in the history books.
Although the Aussies reduced India to 115 for three, Laxman along with Ganguly began to regroup. The duo added 117 runs before Ganguly departed at 48. Laxman completed a fine century, as India ended Day three at 254/4, still 20 runs behind Australia with six wickets in hand.
However, the next day turned out to be a day of defiance that changed the course of Indian cricket history. Laxman and Dravid batted out the whole day. Laxman’s artistry took him to 275 and Dravid’s resilience helped him notch up 155, as the duo remained unbeaten at the close of play on day four with India at 589/4.
Laxman was eventually dismissed on the final day for 281, while Dravid departed for 180. Their 376-run stand meant India had set Australia an improbable target of 384 runs to win the Test.
Harbhajan starred once again in the second innings with six wickets, as Australia got all out with 212. Sachin Tendulkar also backed Harbhajan with three wickets, as India created history.
Harbhajan’s Tweet:
Harbhajan took to Twitter to congratulate Laxman and Dravid for their outstanding knock. Also, he rated them as India’s best-ever middle-order batsmen.
India’s two best ever middle order batsman’s and top guys @VVSLaxman281 #rahuldravid https://t.co/Jmm0wqYhud
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 14, 2018
“India’s two best ever middle order batsman’s and top guys
@VVSLaxman281#rahuldravid,” Harbhajan tweeted.
Meanwhile, Harbhajan will change his base in the upcoming edition of IPL. He will represent Chennai Super Kings after representing Mumbai India for the past ten years.
Also, he had a moderate domestic season last years. However, he will look to use this IPL as make a strong case for himself in front of the national selectors.
Further, here is the newsfeed:
Mitchell Santner out of England Test; BJ Watling returns
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Harbhajan Singh Rahul Dravid VVS Laxman