End looms for V V S Laxman - reports

Speculation is mounting over the future of Indian batsman V. V. S. Laxman after another unimpressive showing at the crease in India's innings defeat to Australia at the WACA Ground. Indian newspapers reported he would retire at the end of the four-Test series, which concludes in Adelaide next week, and may even have played his last Test in Perth as he battles to keep his place in the side.

The 37-year-old has been one of the chief offenders in India's poor batting performances in Australia, with just 102 runs at an average of 17 in the series so far with a single half-century the highlight. In Perth the veteran of 133 Tests battled manfully in making 31 in the first innings, but fell for a duck in the second innings.

His contribution is in stark contrast to his career average of 50.65 against Australia for the man who famously partnered with Rahul Dravid in an incredible 376-run stand in Kolkata in 2001 that enabled India to win after following-on.

There were whispers among the Indian media straight after the Test that Laxman was set to retire. AFP