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VVS Laxman Relives 17-Year Old Memory, says We Should Not Give up on an Opportunity to Serve Country

By Ankush Das

Published - 14 Mar 2018, 01:51 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:27 AM

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VVS Laxman, India, Kolkata, Test, Rahul Dravid, Eden Garden
Credit: Hamish Blair/ALLSPORT

17 years ago, on this day VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Australia at the Eden Gardens.

Further, Laxman and Dravid stitched a 376-run partnership to create history, as India defeated Australia by 171 runs.

Meanwhile, no one had any doubts on the talent of this two cricketers. While Dravid immediately made his mark, Laxman had a few ups and downs. However, the second of the three-match Test series against Australi turned them into legends of the game.

Under Ganguly, India had made giant strides in all formats, and their form in Test cricket at home was nothing short of formidable. While Steve Waugh-led Australian side came to India with 15 straight wins on their back, many considered this as the final frontier for the Aussie side.

However, everything went as expected, as the visitors registered a ten-wicket victory in the first Test.

Meanwhile, in the second Test at the iconic Eden Gardens, Australia posted 445 despite Harbhajan Singh’s seven-wicket haul including a hattrick. McGrath kept India stranded with four wickets, as they got all out 171. Waugh made India follow-on, and the rest is history.

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.

IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Hamish Blair/ALLSPORT

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.

Laxman’s tweet:

The hero from that match, Laxman took to Twitter to relive those moments. Further, he credited the whole team for the win and admitted nobody should give up an opportunity to serve the country.

“Some days give us an opportunity to know ourselves better & realize what we are capable of.17 years ago was one such day,which reemphasized my belief that we should not give up and an opportunity to serve my country. Was not just me and Rahul, but Bhajji ,Sachin and the whole team,” he tweeted.

Meanwhile, post-retirement Dravid is now working with the Indian U19 and A side. Recently under his guidance, India U19 won the World Cup for the fourth time. While Laxman is seen taking up the commentary role and is associated with Sunrisers Hyderabad, a franchise based team in the IPL.

Further, here is the newsfeed:

Suresh Rain breaks MS Dhoni’s record

Chris Rogers appointed Australia’s high-performance coach

Knee injury puts Santner’s stint with CSK in jeopardy

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Rahul Dravid VVS Laxman
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