On this day in 2010: Laxman guides India to thrilling win over Australia in Mohali
VVS Laxman has bailed the Indian side out on numerous occasions in his Test career. The right-hander has been the unsung hero of Indian cricket and has played several knocks that have allowed India to emerge triumphantly. On 5th October 2010, India’s ‘Very Very Special’ batsman once again stepped up to the task against the Australian side at Mohali to allow the Indian side to beat the kangaroos by 1 wicket in a roller coaster of a Test match.
The Australian side batted first and posted a total of 428 runs on the board, with Shane Watson scoring a sparkling 126 and Tim Paine scoring a 196-ball 92. Zaheer Khan scalped a five-wicket haul with the red cherry in hand for India in the first innings. India replied with a total of 405, and it was the legendary Sachin Tendulkar who led from the front with the willow, scoring a classy 98.
Apart from Tendulkar, Suresh Raina also chipped in with 86 off 128 deliveries. For the kangaroos, left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson picked up 5 wickets in the 20 overs that he bowled.
In the second innings, the Aussies were bowled out for 192, with the pace duo of Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma scalping 6 wickets between them. Set a target of 216, the Indian side lost wickets at regular intervals, and was soon reduced to 124/8.
But then, VVS Laxman was still fighting the battle for the Indian side. The right-hander took on the Aussie bowlers and put on a sensational partnership of 81 runs for the 9th wicket alongside Ishant Sharma, who scored 31. India lost their 9th wicket with their scorecard reading 205, and were still 11 runs short of victory.
But Laxman fought on. And, with India just 2 runs away from victory, Pragyan Ojha clipped Mitchell Johnson off his pads and helped the Indian side post a famous win with just one wicket to spare. Laxman was unbeaten on 73*, and helped his side past the finish line. Zaheer Khan won the Player of the Match award for picking up 8 wickets in the Test match.
