Every player aspires to give his best against a top opposition. If one can perform against a tough opposition, it helps them cement their place in the team and also make a name for themselves. In fact, to bring the best against the best in the business, is a crucial aspect of every player’s success. Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and stylish batsman VVS Laxman are well known for their love affair with the Australian team.
Singh and Laxman used to be at their best against the potent Australian team and delivered the goods. Both of them were instrumental in India’s success in the famous 2001 Test series. Harbhajan had scalped 32 wickets in three matches whereas Laxman’s 281 runs in the second innings at Kolkata is regarded as one of the best knocks in Test history. Laxman scored 503 runs in three matches at an average of 83.83 in that series.
Laxman scored 8781 runs in his long career of 134 Test matches at an average of 45.97. The stylish right-hander’s numbers were more impressive against Australia as he amassed 2434 runs in 29 Test matches at an average of 49.67.
Furthermore, Laxman brought his best against Australia in ODIs as he scored 739 runs in 21 matches at an impressive average of 46.18. Out of Laxman’s six ODI centuries, four came against Australia, which goes to show his penchant for the opposition team.
On the other hand, Harbhajan Singh scalped 95 wickets in 19 Test matches he played against Australia at an average of 29.95.
Former Australian wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist has stated that Harbhajan Singh and VVS Laxman used to trouble them throughout. Singh and Laxman brought their best against Australia and they were instrumental in the success of the Indian team.
“He (Laxman), along with most of the Indian batting line-up, used to smash us and then Harbhajan would come and bowl us out. So it was pretty easy to get out of there and say that’s me done for a while,” Gilchrist told TV presenter Madonna Tixeira in her show ‘Live Connect’.
India has fought tooth and nail with the Australian team and things have drastically changed in the last decade.
Both the teams will take on each other in the first Test at the Gabba, Brisbane from December 3.
