VANGIPURAPPU Laxman produced a stunning innings to lead India to a dramatic one-wicket victory over Australia in the first Test today, managing the tail to perfection with an unbeaten 73 to frustrate the tourists.
Resuming on 55 for four wickets and chasing a victory target of 216, India appeared dead and buried in the last hour before lunch but an 81-run ninth wicket stand between Laxman and Ishant Sharma set up the opening win in a two-Test series.
India had lost a flurry of wickets to slip to 124-8 but Sharma contributed 31 valuable runs in his partnership with Laxman, who was batting with a runner due to a bad back, before the hosts scrambled over the finish line in a frantic finish.
The second Test is in Bangalore from October 9.
