NEW DELHI: Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman recalled the historic test match between India and Australia, which was played from March 11-15, 2001, and recalled the life lessons he learned from one of India’s greatest victories had drawn in test cricket.
In his column for the Times of India, Laxman wrote: “It’s been 20 years since the biggest test match I’ve played, but the memories are as fresh and glorious as they were in March 2001. Chances are good! that we are going to the USA. ” third day of the second test at Eden Gardens. Steve Waugh’s Australians had beaten us in three days in Mumbai to achieve a record of 16 consecutive test wins, and despite bhajjis (Harbhajan Singh) we were staring at a successor in Calcutta as well. brilliant bowling on day one that got him India’s first test hat trick. ”
Harbhajan Singh sacked Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne from consecutive deliveries and became the first Indian to score a hat trick in test cricket. But despite their seven wickets, Australia got 445 runs in their first innings.
“While the victory was more than sweet, I stayed with the lessons of life that the extraordinary game produced. For example: Never give up no matter what. Difficult as things may seem, you must keep looking for solutions, instead, you need to trust your abilities and have your friends fight with you. You need to stay in the present and not think about what happened or what might happen. Set small goals and refocus when you do them Reach instead of getting carried away. These truisms are not just a part of everyday life on the cricket field, “added Laxman.
India was pooled for 171 runs in its first innings, with Laxman scoring the highest score with a knock of 59 runs and being the last Indian batsman to be sacked. With a deficit of 274 runs India was replaced by Steve Waugh.
“While Bhajji, Dravid and I received a lion’s share of the credit for the turnaround, it was a victory for team performance and team spirit. Belief in the locker room and the support Rahul and I have received from our peers during our time is a long partnership Indescribable. It was as if not only Rahul and I were in the middle. Our teammates were with us, the wonderful Eden crowd was with us, ”Laxman recalled.
Laxman was promoted in the second innings, with Dravid being demoted to 6th place. What followed was downright incredible and part of cricket folklore.
“Dravid came on the Test drained by virus fever and cramped at various stages during his brilliant 180. He was the runner-up but had to relinquish his No. 3 position to me in the second innings, but not once He shows his displeasure if he even sensed it. How he got the team out of the pickle was his only focus, and the determination to shut everything else out was a wonderful lesson, “added Laxman. 
In a partnership for the ages, Laxman and Dravid added 376 runs for the fifth wicket. Laxman posted a career best of 281 and Dravid was knocked out after a great 180. Together they turned the test and the series upside down.
“When I look back, it’s no surprise that this drama took place in Eden. It’s been a special place not only for me but also for the Indian team for decades. A good place that offers something for everyone invariably produces excellent ones Competitions. Audiences are special too. They always show up in large numbers, full of zeal and energy, and they dearly want their favorite players and teams to do well. Many of them left the floor on the third night, as Tendulkar and Ganguly were later fired. But they came back when Dravid and I entered into this magical partnership. It just goes to show how passionate they are not only for the game but also for the result, ”Laxman wrote.
India declared their second inning at 657/7, giving Australia a 384 run winning goal.
“I’ve been asked more than once if I regret not getting three hundred. My answer remains the same – not at all. I believe that individual accomplishments are of little value if they don’t help the team win. The goal was it.” to get quick runs when we pushed for an explanation. If I got into that endeavor, so would it be. I would have been disappointed if I’d turned 300 and somehow Australia would have managed to save the game. What 281 made The special thing was the result, the way we won with Tendulkar on the last day was also a magical spell, “said Laxman. 
Australia was pooled for 212 runs, with Harbhajan taking six wickets and Sachin Tendulkar 3/31. India were the second team (after England in 1894 and 1981) to win a friendly match after being signed to replace them. In all three cases, it was Australia that ended up losing out.
“In keeping with the tradition of test cricket between India and Australia, we recently saw a wonderful series Down Under. In my book, the victories at MCG, and especially at Gabba, are more important than those at Eden,” concluded Laxman.
(All images credit: Getty Images)
