Laxman guides India to nail-biting victory

Venkatsai Laxman defied a back injury to make an unbeaten 73 as India snatched a remarkable one-wicket victory from the jaws of defeat in the opening Test against Australia on Tuesday.

Needing 216 to win, India were facing defeat at 124-8 before Laxman came to his team’s rescue with a brave knock under pressure on the fifth and final day, guiding his side to a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Batting with a runner because of a stiff back, Laxman was well supported by tail-ender Ishant Sharma, who made a defiant 31 in an 81-run stand for the ninth wicket before being trapped leg-before by Ben Hilfenhaus (4-57).

Australia’s last chance of winning the match came when left-arm paceman Mitchell Johnson began his 17th over to last-man Pragyan Ojha, with India requiring six runs to win.

Ojha survived a confident appeal for leg-before and then an overthrow for four runs by substitute fielder Steven Smith considerably eased the pressure on India. The match ended with two leg-byes.

Laxman, who averages more than 50 in Tests against Australia, continued to flourish against them and reached his half-century in style off just 48 balls, pulling paceman Hilfenhaus for a four. His 79-ball knock contained eight fours.

India were under tremendous pressure after losing their eighth wicket at 124, but Laxman and Sharma held their nerve to sink Australia’s hopes.

Sharma grew in confidence as the match progressed, hitting five fours in his 92-ball knock.

Fast bowler Doug Bollinger earlier grabbed two wickets in the morning session to keep alive Australia’s hopes of winning the match. MOHALI, AFP