Mohali, October 5
"VVS (Laxman) was our biggest worry, that's the way he has turned out to be," said Australian skipper Ricky
Ponting, who was effusive in praise of the Indian middle order batsman, after his team lost the first Test at the PCA stadium by one wicket today. Ponting said that Laxman made all the difference in the Test that Australia lost after firmly being in winning position during the day.
The stylish batsman has been a thorn in Australians’ flesh for nearly a decade. Today’s knock brought alive memories of the epic 281 the stylish batsman grafted in Eden Gardens in March 2001
Test that robbed the mighty Australians of the tag of the
“invincibles”. Thanks to Laxman’s magic, India won the Test by 171 runs after India were forced to follow on.
It was Laxman’s day today. Completely in control, his artistry was on display in ample measures. There was no false stroke, no signs of desperation, but sheer brilliancy all the way. Contrary to his temperament, he was furious when No 11 batsman Pragyan Ojha was hesitant in taking a single at the other end. As the winning runs were scored, he instantly switched to celebratory mode along with Ojha and Raina showing no signs of an injury.
Asked which of the two defeats - the famous loss at Eden Gardens nine years ago or the one today -
would be hard to forget, Ponting replied it was a tough call before saying, “That (Eden Garden debacle) was long back. My memories of the match are not very distinct. Probably, I remember spending nearly four days in the field.
“Maybe, this will hurt more. I told the boys in the dressing room yesterday that even if he (Laxman) is a bit injured, he could be dangerous. And it turned out to be that way,” the skipper quipped.
Quizzed if he regretted giving his consent for a runner to Laxman, Ponting replied: “He batted at No 10 in the first innings. This shows that he was not well. Probably, he got some treatment from the team physio during the match as well.”
Ponting said that Laxman, who hit an unbeaten 79-ball 73 to lead India to a come-from-behind win, proved once again what a class player he is.
“It was one of the most exciting Test matches I have played," stated Ponting. “Just hope that his (Laxman’s) back continues to be sore,” he replied in jest when asked about his plans for the next and the last Test in Bangalore.
