New Delhi: The little master and very, very special Laxman didn't disappoint Indian fans on day five as the pair dusted Lankan hopes of winning the series with a 2-0 margin at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo on Saturday.
The onus to find a way out of Suraj Randiv's craftily knitted web rested squarely on Sachin Tendulkar and those to follow night-watchman Ishant Sharma's foreseeable early dismissal on the final day. Continue reading below
It didn't take long for the overnight hero Randiv to chicken out an easy prey in Sharma, which drew fresh battle lines between Randiv and India's in-form middle order. But Sharma had already accomplished his job overnight by guarding his sticks to the close of play and now it was up to Sachin Tendulkar to do what he has done throughout his career – be the epicenter of another Indian victory.
India were still 195 runs adrift when Laxman strode in to join Tendulkar. The history of past five days suggested that a softer ball made it easy to score in the middle session and it seemed to be the foundation stone of this partnership.
Two of India's 'Fab Four' looked solid from the word go and gave no leeway in defence to a prowling Randiv. Sangakkara's decision to deploy Welegedara from the other end was surprising but Tendulkar sniffed his plan to suck him into playing at deliveries outside off, and the master was happy to occupy crease and wear the Sri Lankans down.
The ploy worked and runs started flowing from the wristy Laxman's bat as well, inviting worried Sri Lankan glances towards the scoreboard. Tendulkar registered an important fifty en route a half-century stand with Laxman before lunch that was taken at 145/4, only 102 behind the target.
A victory that looked elusive overnight transformed into a real probability, and a strong one at that. Post-lunch, Laxman's fifty was soon followed by a century partnership between the two. But Sri Lanka's refusal to resign brought about Tendulkar's important wicket, which was Randiv's fifth, a just reward for some classy off-spin bowling.
That brought in impressive Raina to partner Laxman and the way the southpaw responded, all Lankan hopes of making a comeback went down the drain. He went on the attack from the outset, allowing Laxman to play his game and inch closer to his hundred.
The elegant right-hander played another very, very special (VVS) inning and a glance off Mendis sent the ball to fine-leg boundary, signaling Laxman’s 16th Test hundred.
The victory runs, though, came from the most promosing Indian bat, as Suresh Raina deposited Welegedara over mid-wicket for a six, telling the world that he is Test cricket’s latest batting sensation and one that the opponents need to be wary of.
This victory not only kept Dhoni’s record of not losing a Test series intact but also gave a fitting reply to those who questioned India's place at the acme of Test cricket.
