Very Very Special Innings at Mohali
VVS Laxman was suffering from back spasms during the first Test at Mohali against Australia in 2010. He batted at number 10 in the first innings to fulfill the formalities. He was in sheer discomfort and could barely walk. India needed 216 runs to win the Test match. He thought it was not required to bat in the second innings as top order would help India to cross the line. Well, it didn’t go as per the plan. India had a batting collapse before the end of day 4. Coach Gary Kirsten approached Laxman and requested to prepare mentally as team India might require his help on the final day.
Embed from Getty ImagesLaxman couldn’t sleep at night. He thought it was impossible to bat with the discomfort at the back. However, he was determined to give his hundred percent. Laxman went to bat when India was struggling at 76/5. Soon they lost three more wickets and the scoreboard displayed 124/8. The defeat was inevitable. Ishant Sharma came to crease. Aussies were fired up and they sniffed the victory. Laxman told Ishant to delay the process by not throwing the wickets. The back was hurting badly but he ignored the pain and continued the batting.
Embed from Getty ImagesIshant played magnificently before he got out at 31. He had a crucial 81 runs partnership with Laxman and brought India on the verge of victory. The last man Pragyan Ojha joined Laxman at the crease. India needed 11 runs to win the match. Australians were all charged up and tightened the field. Laxman was well known for his cool nature, no one ever saw him angry. However, he got annoyed when Ojha fumbled to take a single and had to face the mighty Johnson next over. Ojha kept his cool and helped India to win the Test match with the help of two leg byes. A nail-biting finish indeed. Laxman remained not out at 73. A selfless innings against severe pain helped to register a memorable victory by one wicket.
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Featured Image Credit: Fenopy – CC BY-SA 3.0 (resized as per the need and changed the background)