4 Indians who made an impressive Test debut against South Africa

#3 VVS Laxman

Although VVS Laxman came into prominence only after scoring 167 at Sydney during the 2000 Test, he had a significant role to play in an Indian win on his debut Test played at Ahmedabad from November 20-23, 1996.

The Test is remembered for pacer Javagal Srinath’s stupendous spell of 6 for 21 in 11.5 overs, on a surface that was supposed to assist spin, which bowled India to a famous win by 64 runs. But before’s Srinath’s magnificent effort it was Laxman’s innings that ensured India had something to bowl at.

After India and South Africa scored 223 and 244 respectively in their first innings, the Test turned into a second innings tussle. India crumbled to 123 for 6 under Donald’s fiery spell, but Laxman held one end up and made a composed 51 from 125 balls, before being trapped lbw by Paul Adams. It was a sign of things to come from Laxman’s bat in the future.

Laxman was aided by Anil Kumble, who made an unbeaten 30. In the end, the target of 170 proved well beyond South Africa’s reach.