VVS Laxman's five best Test knocks vs Australia in India

#3 69, 4th Test: Mumbai, 2nd innings, 2004

Laxman scored a gorgeous, attacking 69

A series showcased as ‘The Final Frontier’ for Ricky Ponting’s No. 1 ranked Australian Test team, was already wrapped up 2-0 by the visiting side going into the 4^th and final Test in Mumbai. India were playing for pride and the Wankhede groundsman did what he could to prepare a rank turner.

India won the toss and predictably chose to bat first. Glenn McGrath, Gillespie and Kasprowicz wrecked havoc with movement in the air and off the pitch in sticky conditions to leave India rattling at 33/5.

Dravid fought hard and stayed unbeaten while Hauritz, on his debut, showed what incredible turn and bounce the pitch had to offer as India folded their 1^st innings for a paltry 104. Australia came out with a positive mindset and played attacking cricket knowing that eventually, a ball from the Indian spinners will turn, bounce or both, and ended at 203, picking up a very handy lead of 99.

India started their 2^nd innings disastrously as they fell to 14/2 with both their openers dismissed. The stage was set for a VVS special to counter attack on a minefield against quality bowling.

Laxman scored a gorgeous, attacking 69, the highest score in the Test match as Michael Clarke picked up 6/9 but India did well, given the pitch conditions to set Australia a target of 107.

The Indian spinners bowled with fire to wipe out Australia for 93 in what was an eventful end to the Test match. Only one man from the sides which had greats like Dravid, Ponting, Tendulkar and Clarke, had the commentators saying, “He looked set” and that man was Laxman.