VVS Laxman: 5 best Test knocks against Australia

4) 167 (3rd Test at Sydney; Jan 2-4, 2000)

Laxman celebrating his maiden Test century

"Watch him, but don't try to imitate. Only VVS can play them"- John Wright

This is the tale of Laxman's maiden ton. A century that was a roar, proclaiming his belonging at the highest level of cricket. It was the 3rd Test match at the iconic SCG and India were low on confidence owing to 2 consecutive losses in Adelaide and Melbourne earlier.

Batting was a major issue at that time for India in Australia. In the 1st innings, India was restricted to a poor score of 150 and in reply, Australia put up a humongous score of 552. Even in the 2nd innings, India's struggles continued and in regular successions, crucial wickets like Dravid, Sachin and Ganguly kept falling.

Holding the fort was the opener VVS himself who was the only Indian batsman to provide a fitting reply to every strategy Australian bowlers had in mind. Facing the dangerous bowling attack, Laxman smoked the bowlers north, south, and center with pitch-perfect shots.

Laxman stood firmly at the crease while wickets kept falling from the other end. In his 198-ball 167 run innings, he struck 27 boundaries and spent 255 minutes on the crease, from 0/0 to 258/8. It was extremely rare for a player to score runs this quickly at that time in Test cricket.

Out of India's 261, Laxman's alone made 167 runs. India lost the match by an innings and 141 runs, but found a player that would protect India's interests in the future.

Last but certainly not the least, the epic knock that stands the test of time.