Injured Laxman much worse…for the opposition

VVS Laxman has delivered one more knock-out punch to the Aussies. It is really surprising to know that he did all the damage today, nursing a back injury. Laxman’s last two fourth innings knocks (today’s and the 103 not out against Sri Lank a couple of months back) came with a runner. Both of them turned out to be match winning knocks. Even in the 3^rd test against Sri Lanka in 2008 (Ajanta Mendis Series), when India were fighting to save the test match, Laxman was batt(l)ing with an ankle injury, made 61 not out, but India lost that match and series 2-1. He averages 50+ in 2^nd innings compared to his career average of 47+. So, going by the record, India doesn’t mind an injured VVS, especially in a 4^th innings chase or 5^th day. In fact he could turn out to be a bigger tormentor to the opposition with an injury.

Laxman fielded throughout the 1^st innings of Australia. But when he had to bat, he was constrained by back spasms. When he came out to bat in the first innings he looked really stiff and lasted all of 3 balls. Knowing that he is not in his best physical condition, Ricky Ponting would have discounted his ability to an extent when India started their chase in the 4^th innings. Pressure invariably has brought the best out of him, once again. Commentators have used up all epithets trying to describe his heroics. His pull shots were audacious in the situation, his drives through the covers delectable, his flicks through mid-wicket were classy. But what makes him so indispensable in such crunch situations is his ability to build partnerships, be it with top order batsmen or tail-enders. And partnerships typically do win matches.

Even if Laxman were to retire today with nearly 7500 runs, his match-winning knocks would be the talking point, of many a folklore for a long time to come. But for his own sake we wish that he comes out of his injury soon; may be the opposition teams too, as he might then be little less dangerous.