VVS Laxman's five best Test knocks vs Australia in India

#2 59, 2nd Test: Kolkata, 1^st innings, 2001

Laxman battled his way to a half-century

Australia moved from what appeared to be a below par day 1 score of 291/8 to a commanding 445, thanks to Steve Waugh who led from the front with a lower order partnership with Gillespie that frustrated India. India came out on day 2 and cautiously moved to 31/1 at tea before the drama began to unfold.

The openers, Sachin, and Dravid fell cheaply to stun a large and raucous home crowd as the scoreboard read 88/4 when Laxman walked in. The Aussies continued to pick wickets and before you knew it, it was 97/7 and it was getting almost embarrassing for the home team.

When the tailenders began to walk in, one man decided that he was not going to give in. This moment, ladies and gentlemen, will be remembered as one of the most pivotal moments in India’s cricketing history. The Hyderabad-born batsman struck 12 boundaries in his score of 59. He was given out incorrectly, caught off the arm, and India finished at 171, staring at a follow-on and a massive defeat.