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Mohali: Just when you thought India versus Australia in Test cricket couldn't get any better, it did. Just when you thought VVS Laxman couldn't better past match-winning efforts against his favourite foes, he played another knock that became an instant classic.
Years of nail biting contests, great personal rivalries, gut-wrenching disappointments and euphoric victories were all reprised on a single day at the PCA Stadium on Tuesday as India fashioned its closest Test victory. Ever.
In the end, Test cricket's world No. 1 team fought back from 124/8 to pull off a one-wicket win, driven by two men who were physically ailing but never lost heart.
Be it the unbeaten 103 that clinched a 5-wicket win over Sri Lanka, or his 73 not out at Mohali, it's clear VVS Laxman loves a scrap. Check out his stats: he has an overall average of 47.40, which rises to 50.47 if one looks only at the second innings. Against Australia, who have come to dread him, Laxman averages 55.58.
Ishant Sharma joins injured VVS Laxman, batting with Suresh Raina as runner, with India at a seemingly hopeless 124/8.
The two add 81 runs, India's second-highest partnership for 9th wicket against Australia. Ishant plays 71% of the deliveries (92 out of 130).
With 11 runs to get, Ishant is given out LBW for 31 to a ball missing leg stump.
On penultimate ball of Ben Hilfenhaus over, Laxman drives, Raina sprints to non-striker's end and back but confused Pragyan Ojha doesn't move. Furious Laxman waves bat and gives him an earful. Unable to score off last ball.
Next over: Mitchell Johnson traps Ojha plumb in front but umpire Billy Bowden reckons it was an inside edge. As Ojha wanders out of crease, Marcus North's throw misses stumps by whisker. India gets 4 runs from overthrow. Two balls later, Ojha gets 2 leg byes and Team India has an unforgettable victory.
Fast facts
It's India's closest Test win ever by wickets. Earlier, India had twice won by 2 wickets, both times against Australia (1964 in Mumbai & 2001 in Chennai).
Ponting is yet to win a Test in India as skipper. He has 4 losses & 2 draws.
India's 4:1 win-loss ratio at Mohali its best on any Indian ground to have hosted at least 10 Tests.
