I always feel a nip of exasperation whenever I read of, or hear about a cricketer saying the next Test/series will be his last. The ECB obviously feel the same, as KP will now testify. VVS Laxman's international obituary was inevitably being written once he announced that India's forthcoming series would be his last. Oh, and was he so sure that he'd even be selected?!
Following India's decisive fall from the Test pinnacle last year, much was written about the future of the big three batting legends, Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman. Sachin remains sufficiently driven to continue a bit longer, 'The Wall' made the respected decision to retire immediately earlier this year but VVS kept everyone guessing, until now. I suspect that a few wise voices whispered in his ear that youth was to be the preferred option for the New Zealand series and, given his recent loss of form, legend number two called a halt to his international career. The Adelaide defeat thus becomes the final Test for both him and Dravid. At almost 38, I think he has made the right choice.
I must admit I don't think I recall seeing him play, so must rely the testament of others to his wristy skills and ability to compile breathtaking innings, often in adversity. The Cricinfo feature on Laxman's stats is a fascinating one . It states the case for VVS to be considered right up there amongst the best of them.
While his career average in 134 Tests sits just short of 46, with only 17 centuries, moderate by today's standards, Laxman 'suffered' by playing many games at five or six in the line-up and by failing to fill his boots against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. However, only Steve Waugh and Shiv Chanderpaul have scored more runs than him batting at these positions. Since 1998, only Tendulkar has scored more runs against Australia than his 2,434 and, he is one of the few players to have a higher average in the second innings than his first. He ranks seven in the all-time list for second innings averages and the only Indian to beat him is not Tendulkar or Dravid but the great Sunil Gavaskar.
2000-2004 was his golden period when he held his own amongst a fabulous Indian batting line-up, particularly in Tests. If nothing else, he will forever remain in the pantheon of Test superstars for his astonishing 281 at Eden Gardens in March 2001. Not only did it end Australia's seemingly invincible status but was achieved when following on. He put on 376 for the fifth wicket with Dravid (who scored 180), defying McGrath, Warne, Gillespie and Kasprowicz in their pomp, and the resulting target of 384 proved beyond Steve Waugh;s team, arguably the most formidable Test XI in the last thirty years.
Who knows what VVS would have done against New Zealand this autumn? However, by calling time now, Laxman has ensured he will be remembered for the right reasons. Statistically he not be the equal of Tendulkar and Dravid but the man from Hyderabad has performed majestically and heroically for the Indian cause, leading some of the most remarkable fightbacks in history.
