5 greatest fourth innings knocks where teams won by one wicket

#1 VVS Laxman (73*) vs Australia (Mohali, 2010)

Laxman's 73* despite having a sore back remains one of the best 4th innings knock for India

Known for his third and fourth innings specials, VVS Laxman, a thorn in the flesh for the Aussies for a very long time, grinded out yet another gritty knock of 73*, helping India take a lead of 1-0 in the 2-match series. The Australian attack comprising of Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus and Doug Bollinger had India on the mat after setting a target of 216.

Though the target was not that daunting, the match seemed all but lost for India as the home side slipped to 124/8. A half-fit Laxman, suffering from a sore back, came to bat at no.7 and was joined by Ishant Sharma for the 9th wicket with India still requiring 92 to win.

Ishant played the knock of his life, scoring 31 off 81 balls. When he got out, India had Pragyan Ojha to partner Laxman at the crease and Suresh Raina was used as a runner for the injured Laxman.

With 11 runs to win, it was a game of nerves from there on. Some crazy running by Ojha saw Laxman losing his cool, a rare instance, and after a little period of high tension, India pulled off a win from the jaws of defeat against the then world champions. Laxman's 73* still remains one of his most important innings after the epic 281 against the same opposition.