In
the second innings of the Durban
test match, the Indian batting line-up discovered themselves in familiar position
again – rusty. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel were ferocious and the Indian top
order was jolted in no time.
But
one man stood firm against such a ferocious fats bowling. It was none other
than the classicist from Hyderabad VVS Laxman. As usual, when the chips are
down, Laxman took the responsibility to build the Indian innings.
Laxman’s
composure is something unique. It provides enough sense of security not only in
the Indian dressing room but the batsman batting at the crease as well. Especially
the tail-enders find it enough comfortable to bat with Laxman. A batsman who assures
the tail is very, very special. Inzamam-ul-Haq used to be such a special batsman and
at present Laxman is such a gem.
The
Indian’s start on the third day was shaky. Steyn, Morken and Tsotsobe rattled the
toporder as three wickets fell in a quick succession. Laxman came at the crease
but wickets kept on tumbling at the other end. Zaheer Khan came in to bat with
Laxman.
Though
Zaheer is not a novice with the bat but still not the man to fancy his batting
and hang around on a track which was providing enough bounce to make the tail
reel. But amazingly Zaheer was to hang around and counter the hostile bowling
by the South African pacers with enough courage and patience.
At
the other Laxman, though had his edges past the slips early, buckled down as he
traditionally does on such situations and then with his calm stay at the crease
provided enough assurance to Zaheer to make sure he stays there and contribute in building an effective partnership.
Yes
it was the assurance of Laxman that makes the tail bat well. Very few batsmen in modern
day cricket can do such. There will always be proper guidance to the
tail-enders and there will always be that sense of security ‘Don’t worry. I am
here with you” from Laxman. He is the guardian angel for the Indian tail-enders.
A valuable partnership of 70-run was scripted with Zaheer and
how valuable will it be if India
manages to pull out a victory here at Durban .
He
was dismissed for 96 but I don’t think Laxman is disappointed fro missing a ton. Neither are we. We
know he is not the man to chase after records, he is not the man to rue on missing
a ton but, he is the man who gets happier after contributing for the team.
Thank
You
Faisal
Caesar
Well said. Laxman has been an under valued contributor for India ever since he scored that 2001 double. Often ppl either ignore him or glibly use the VVS moniker lazily w/o thinking its relevance to the situation. But the true value of laxman has been his role as a man for crisis more often than not. As a Hyderabadi he is relaxed in his style and that transfers a feeling of comfort to the lower order. That makes them give their best as a batsman.
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