3 Test match legends who failed in the shorter versions of the game

Cricket is one such game, where different formats not only have different rules and restrictions but also requires different approaches, mindsets and skills. Some legendary players have tasted success in all the formats of the game through their skills, dedication and hard-work. However, some have been successful in one format but failed to replicate their success in the other formats.

Test cricket is a test of a player's skills, technique, dedication, stamina and fortitude. The notion that a successful Test player ought to perform in the shorter version of the game, as he has proved his prowess at the highest level, is partially correct. Here are three Test legends who have failed to conquer the world of One-Day cricket, though they possessed potential and skills.

---

#3 Neil Mckenzie

Neil Mckenzie came into the South African team in the year 2000 as an opening batsman. He had an awful Test debut against Sri Lanka, as he ended up with scores of 11 and 25, in the first and second innings, respectively.

However, Mckenzie came back strongly and scored his first Test century in the same season. Mckenzie amassed over 3500 runs in the 58 Test matches he played for South Africa. Surprisingly, Mckenzie could not cement his place in the South- African One-Day team because of his low strike rate at the top of the order. He represented South Africa in 64 One-Day Internationals, scoring 1688 runs at a strike -rate of 69.

#2 VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman was certainly one of the best Indian batsmen in the longest version the game. He stormed into the Test arena, when he scored a match-winning 51 in the second innings of his debut game, against a quality South-African bowling attack in 1996. Laxman played numerous match winning knocks for India in his 16-year long Test career.

His match winning innings of 281 against Australia in 2001 at the Eden Gardens, is one of the most memorable knocks in the history of Test cricket. Laxman represented India in 134 Test matches, scoring over 8500 runs at a solid average of 45.5. However, Laxman could not replicate his success in the shorter version of the game and failed to establish himself as a limited-over batsman.

He played 86 One-Day Internationals for India, accumulating 2338 runs at an average of 30.76, which was fairly low by his standards.

#1 Justin Langer

Justin Langer became an immediate superstar, when he scored a fighting 54 in the second innings of his Test debut against a very strong and lethal West Indies bowling attack in the year 1993. Though, Australia lost the match by 1 run, Langer's performance grabbed attention from every corner of the world.

Langer was a regular feature in the Australian Test side because of his solid technique at the top of the batting order. He gathered over 7500 runs at an impressive average of 44, in the 105 Test matches he played for Australia. However, he could not prove his prowess as a One-Day batsman, evident from the fact that he failed to score a single 50-plus score in the 8 One-Day Internationals he played for the Aussies.