India's memorable knocks in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

VVS Laxman: 281 in the second Test at Kolkata, 2001
 
The innings that scripted the memorable turnaround in Indian cricket and led to the mother of all comebacks in Test cricket.

Australia had won a record 16 Tests in a row including the first Test at Mumbai. Things were not going India's way even in the second Test as the home team was bundled out for 171 in reply to Australia's 445.

Asked to follow-on by Steve Waugh, India made a terrific comeback thanks to VVS Laxman's scintillating 281 runs. He shared a record 376-run stand with Rahul Dravid who turned things back in India's favour.

Laxman's knock proved the difference as he counter-attacked the Aussie bowlers including Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne in particular.

The visitors had no clue to the elegant Hyderabadi batsman as India amassed a huge total of 657/7 in the second innings.

India then bowled out Australia for 212 in the final two sessions to square the series and eventually win it 2-1.

Text: Venkata Krishna B.
Images: AFP