Laxman and Dravid transcend time, tame the Aussie attack

By Vijay Lokapally

KOLKATA, MARCH 14. V.V.S. Laxman stepped into a zone which had been the domain of a legend for 18 years. In making a place for himself at the top, by beating Sunil Gavaskar's record of highest individual score in Test cricket by an Indian, the Hyderabadi achieved quite a few other distinctions too but nothing to beat the confidence that he restored to the dressing room.

As he returned unconquered, with Rahul Dravid as company, Laxman was met by the entire team at the rope. ``A touching gesture'' he said and ``great encouragement'' remarked Dravid as the two matched the Australians in every aspect on the fourth day of the second Test.

India, resuming at 254 for four, kept the Australians on the field the entire day with Laxman and Dravid growing in stature with each session. Their unbroken stand was worth 357 runs with plenty of statistical feats attached but what stood out was the thrust their performance gave to the team's image, which had taken a beating in recent times.

In carving a pleasing, unbeaten 275, Laxman broke Gavaskar's records of 236 not out against the West Indies at Chennai in 1983. ``I think it's a great honour beating a legend's record. I'm really thrilled'' said a beaming Laxman.

Dravid, struggling for runs and under an inspired attack from some former players, spoke as if wanting to send a message to his critics. One had not known the Karnataka batsman react so strongly as he did today at the end of an innings, 155 not out, which should satisfy the connoisseurs.

``That's the way I bat. There was a bit of pressure because I was not used to batting in this position for some time. But I'm a determination player. I had worked hard in the first innings too but couldn't convert the innings into a big one. I take time to make my runs. People may not like to watch me make those runs but that's the way I bat'' said Dravid.

They complement and compliment each other

Laxman and Dravid complemented each other with their positive play and had good word for each other too. ``It was a fantastic knock and it was such a joy to watch him from the other end. It had class and character and lifted the morale of the side'' remarked Dravid.

``It was thrilling but more important was the fact that it helped the team come back strongly. Rahul was very helpful and kept me going with his determined talk. We had decided to take it session by session and we are both glad to have played for the team'' Laxman added.

Scripting long innings is not a new phenomenon for Laxman. His string of big innings in domestic cricket came in handy on this big stage and his concentration is what stood out as the most significant factor. ``I enjoy long sessions in the middle and I was well-prepared mentally'' said Laxman, who has thus far cracked 44 boundaries, a strong point in his brilliant innings.

There was little chance for the Australians as Laxman got into his stride quite early in the day with a flurry of boundaries. He was harsh on Jason Gillespie while Dravid picked Shane Warne for some special treatment.

Dravid had twice got out after being set in this series and it was the team's cause that compelled him play this match despite being short of fitness due to fever two days prior to the match. He was equally determined and his preparation was based on a strong resolve to come good for the sake of the team.

Dravid revealed ``I had a long chat with Sachin (Tendulkar) before I walked out to bat. I was a little worried at getting out after being set even though I was trying my best. Sachin told me there was nothing wrong with my approach and told me to stick to me strength, which was to bat solidly, even if slowly as many of you think.''

On his tussle with Warne, the Indian vice-captain noted ``he is a great bowler and is bound to get me out when we play each other so often. There will be times when I would dominate the situation but that wouldn't mean he ceases to become a great bowler. I think too much is made of this issue.''

None would have grudged or doubted Laxman's ability to convert his good form into a big score. Dravid too was keen to translate his form into a substantial score since he admitted to being under pressure. ``I don't know what but there was pressure on me. I know I can't play like someone else but then I always try hard. I like to have a solid beginning and to this extent I thought I did a decent job today'' Dravid confessed.

There was a marked improvement in Dravid's scoring rate today as he hit 148 runs against the 166 by Laxman. ``We kept each other going and I really enjoyed my stint in the middle. Let me tell people that I have absolutely no regrets at batting at number six. I was very happy Laxman grabbed the chance. I am very happy for him'' commented Dravid, who made no efforts to hide his emotions by stating that he was prepared to bat at any slot and even carry drinks most proudly.

His gesture after reaching his century, punching his bat in the direction of the commentators box, conveyed a lot to his critics. ``There had been lot of harsh comments and writing about the team and I just wanted to convey that we were glad at having shown quality and guts. This is a team that is fighting against the best team in the world and we have been quite distressed at some of the scathing criticism in recent times'' he stressed and added ``let me inform you the reaction was on behalf of the team. Someone had to stand up for the team which had been written off by everyone. From the team's point of view, this innings meant a lot to me.''

When Laxman and Dravid resumed this morning, the onus was on the Indians. It was tough too since an early wicket would have nullified all the good work of Tuesday. But the Australians were caned the entire day as Laxman and Dravid destroyed a couple of reputations with their purposeful batsmanship.

Glenn McGrath smashed for runs which he is unaccustomed to and the wily Warne unable to bowl a consistent line against some splendid footwork by Laxman and Dravid was a rare experience for the Australians. ``Toughest day in office'' admitted coach John Buchanan as Australia finished the day 315 runs in arrears.

Not earning a single wicket in three sessions was again a rare happening for Australia. There was no respite for the bowlers who were mauled to the tune of 122 runs in the first session, 115 in the second and 98 in the last when Dravid and Laxman showed signs of fatigue. They were later put on drip.

Astonishing strokeplay

Laxman produced some astonishing strokes as he time and again drove with lot of flair and also stood up to punch the ball in a regal manner. Dravid matched his partner with some stunning on- side play and the Australians simply gave up in the afternoon when misfielding and overthrows showed the weaker side of a team which had not known a stiff challenge for some time now.

The flawless exhibition of committed batting continued without a break as Dravid recorded his ninth Test century and Laxman his second, the earlier being that majestic 167 at Sydney. The best part of the partnership was that the run-flow never subsided and credit went to both for picking the gaps with elan and dominating an attack which had come to leave the oppositions in a disarray with their perseverance and planning.

As Laxman and Drvaid remarked, the turnaround in the match was what they had aimed at. ``We wanted to tell everyone that we are trying our best'' said Laxman. Dravid nodded. They came in for appreciation from the Australians too as the opposition applauded them generously as they trooped out at the end of the day. ``They are a sporting side and appreciate a good performance even if they play the hard way'' smiled Laxman.

The Indians intend to bat for sometime on the last day before leaving the platform to the Australians to try and extend their winning sequence. A tough task as of now. As for the Indians, they were understandably relaxed and enjoyed a really good day after a long time with a dinner at skipper Sourav Ganguly's home. The skipper, himself a target of strong criticism, had enough reason to host his mates.

Srinath must prove fitness

Javagal Srinath will have to prove his fitness to the National selectors before they pick the side for the third Test against Australia at Chennai.

It was learnt here on Wednesday that Srinath may be asked to report at Kolkata on Thursday and satisfy the selectors of his recovery. He is likely to be subjected to some catching and batting practice even though he had informed the selectors of his fitness.

Mumbai seamer Ajit Agarkar's fitness too remains unconvincing, as far as the selectors are concerned. The team for the Test starting on March 18 will be announced at the end of the match here.

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