VVS Laxman: 5 best Test knocks against Australia

3) 148 (2nd Test at Adelaide; Dec 12-16, 2003)

Laxman and Rahul together at the crease- A cricket lover's heaven

"You have to see VVS Laxman bat to understand his magic"- Ian Chapell

In a match that saw Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman set up a clinic of magnificent batting technique and strategy, India managed to win a Test match in Australia after a long gap of 22 years. Highly regarded as one of the finest display of batting ever on Australian soil, Laxman and Dravid proved the world that they were the true Test specialists.

Thanks to a terrific double ton by Ricky Ponting, Australia set up a gigantic target of 556 runs in the 1st innings. In reply, India was struggling at 85/4 on the seaming pitch of Adelaide when Rahul and Laxman took the reigns. They took India from 85/4 to 388/5, a record partnership of 303 runs for the 5th wicket.

Rahul and VVS registered magnificent 233 and 148 runs respectively. Laxman's 148 runs came in 282 deliveries, full of his trademark shots like flicks and cover drives. Together, they handled fast bowlers like Andy Bichel and Gillespie as good as they managed spinners like Stuart McGill and Katich. India set up 523 runs in 1st innings.

Australia was restricted to 196 runs in 2nd innings, giving India a target of 230 to win. India won the match by 4 wickets. Laxman played a short but effective knock of 32 runs off 34 deliveries in second innings too to help India win.