VVS Laxman reveals his favourite Test innings at autobiography launch
VVS Laxman t picked his maiden century against Australia at Sydney in 2000 as the best out of his 17 Test tons during the release of his autobiography ‘281 and Beyond’ in Hyderabad on Thursday.
The 281 against Australia has became almost synonymous with VVS Laxman as he and Rahul Dravid produced one of the best partnerships to guide India to a famous victory against Australia in 2001. However, Laxman has rated his maiden 167 against Australia at Sydney as his career-defining moment. The batting stalwart picked his maiden century against Australia at Sydney in 2000 as the best out of his 17 Test tons.
“281 is definitely a very memorable knock and a match for me, that Kolkata Test match and the series itself. But, 167 gave me the confidence that I can perform at the highest level,” he told reporters during the release of his autobiography ‘281 and Beyond’ in Hyderabad on Thursday.
“Because the situation we were in, and the conditions, it was quite challenging condition and also one of the best bowling line ups in world cricket. “To go out and get my first Test 100. That was very important for me to realise that I had the potential to perform even at the highest level. So, I think that 100 gave me the confidence that I can take on the best in various conditions and various situations. That turned around my career if I may say,” Laxman added.
READ: India vs Australia: No more chopping, changing in ODIs for India - Ravi Shastri
Asked about his decision to retire in the middle of a Test match in his home town of Hyderabad, Laxman said: “But then, retirement or any decision you take, you have to be comfortable with that decision. I felt deep down that it was right time for me to quit the game and move on.
“So, I don’t at all regret while lot of fans still feel very disappointed and disheartened that they did not see me bat for one last time in Hyderabad.”
(With PTI Inputs)