5 iconic innings in Test Cricket

Test Cricket is all about passion, commitment and dedication. The oldest form of the game builds up on a very unique format which allows players to showcase their real talent and brilliance. A very interesting contest between bat and ball, Test Cricket has seen some amazing batting performances over the years which are the essence of this gentlemen's game.These innings define the format in a way that they possessed that technique and class which made them big. They were iconic in the sense that they were match changing and will be cherished by the Cricket fans all over the world.Here are 5 such iconic innings in Test Cricket:

#5 Brendon Mccullum 202 vs Pakistan (Sharhjah, 2014)

Brendon sent the Pakistani attack on a leather hun

Brendon McCullum is undoubtedly one those many Cricketers who is known for his aggressive approach towards the game. His fearless attitude and diverse range of shots makes him a destructive batsman who has the ability to change the course of the match at any point of time. Something similar happened in Abu Dhabi when McCullum destroyed the Pakistan bowling attack as New Zealand took on Pakistan.

It was clean and crisp hitting from the skipper as he blazed to his second double century in Test Cricket. A real treat to watch, the innings was a display of aggressive batting combined with some thinking Cricket.

He was quick in reading the ball and that gave him an extra advantage over the Pakistan bowlers. A very entertaining yet composed innings, it will be regarded as one of Mccullum's finest knocks.

#4 Kumar Sangakkara 287 vs S. Africa (Colombo, 2006)

Sanga got involved in a world record stand with Mahela

It was Sri Lanka vs South Africa in Colombo when the Sri Lankan batsmen thrashed the Proteas bowlers with Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene both scoring massive hundreds and leading the pack.

Sanga who is known for his elegant style of batting and impeccable timing took on the South African bowlers as he played one of the most remarkable innings in Test cricket. He was involved in a record-breaking partnership of 623 runs with his mate Mahela Jayawardene which eventually gave Sri Lanka an innings win.

Sanga began the innings a bit casually but was quick to build it up. He started timing the ball beautifully and was ecstatic in picking up the gaps. His foot movement was remarkable throughout the innings.

The S.African bowling attack wasn’t much successful as he thrashed the ball in all parts of the ground. His innings comprised of his trademark cover drives and straight drives as he completed a very emphatic double century which will be remembered by his fans for many years.

#3 Graham Gooch 154 vs W. Indies (Headingly,1991)

Graham Gooch battled everything to score a Test ton

The West Indies tour of England in 1991 was quite a historic one as England won a Test match at home after 22 years against the Carribeans in the very first match of the series. And the man who made it possible was the English captain, Graham Gooch.

His innings of 154 in the second innings can definitely be regarded as one of the best Test innings ever played. Facing a fierce West Indian bowling attack comprising of Curtly Ambrose and Walsh, Gooch’s determination and courage was the highlight of the innings.

The weather was harsh and the pitch was tough to bat. Calm and composed, he was technically correct while playing those cover drives and fiercely pulled the short length balls. He batted with a trademark high back lift, batted with immense temperament and his strokeplay was fluent as he dominated the West Indian bowlers to take his team over the line.

#2 Sachin Tendulkar 114 vs Australia (Perth,1992)

Amazing what an 18-year-old did at Perth

India’s tour to Australia (1992) was a disaster as they went into the fifth and final Test with a score of 3-0. The final Test was a major challenge for the reason it was to be played on the fastest pitch in the world, Perth.

Australia put up 333 on the board in the first innings. The chase was a tough task considering the Australian bowling line up with their strike bowlers in prime form. The chase began and soon India was restricted at 69-2 when Sachin came into bat.

Just 3 years after making his Test debut and in a constant desire to make his mark in International Cricket, this match was crucial for him. He began striking the ball quite well. His foot movement was sublime, timing was impeccable and soon he was able to dominate the Aussie bowlers.

Sachin continued to display his class as the Aussie bowlers breathed fire with the ball. His off side display was a treat to watch as he dismantled every ball which was bowled to him short and wide.

He reached his 3rd International century with his trademark straight drive off Craig Mcdermott. This innings was a true display and reflection of his brilliance and class.

#1 V.V.S. Laxman 281 vs Australia (Kolkata, 2001)

The man who scripted the greatest comeback

The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (2001) between India and Australia went down as one of the greatest Tests ever played in the history of Test Cricket. It is remembered for many reasons but mostly for it gave India a class batsman in the form of VVS Laxman.

Australia put up 445 on the board in the first innings as India took on Australia at the Eden gardens in Kolkata. India were bowled out for a meagre 171 and were forced to follow-on. What came next was a spectacle which is etched in the memory of every Indian fan.

Laxman, the only batsman to have scored a fifty in the first innings was promoted up the order by captain Ganguly. He began his innings in style with his trademark drives through the off side. He soon started timing the ball well and played shots all around the ground.

His footwork was marvellous as he took Shane Warne and Co. to the cleaners. A gritty and determined Laxman constructed his innings beautifully and took India to a very strong position.

India eventually won the match with Harbhajan picking up six wickets to wrap up the Australian side for 212.