Eden test

Australia Eden Gardens Test: VVS Laxman, former India batter and current head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence, reflected on the 25th anniversary of the iconic fourth day of the historic India vs Australia Eden Gardens Test of 2001, a match remembered for producing one of cricket’s most extraordinary turnarounds.

On March 14, 2001, India were staring at a crushing defeat on home soil. Having already suffered a heavy loss in the opening Test of the series, the hosts were made to follow on in the second match at the Eden Gardens.

When play began on the fourth morning in Kolkata, the situation looked bleak for India. The scoreboard read 254 for 4 in their second innings, which effectively meant they were still 20 runs behind with six wickets remaining. Australia appeared firmly in control and defeat seemed almost certain.