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VVS Laxman keeps the runs coming

Last updated on: September 12, 2008 10:25 IST

VVS Laxman has, for many years now, been one of India's best Test players. A look at his record shows no significant drop in performance. In 2008 his runs have come at an average of 42.66, which is just below his career average of 43.80.

However, with the Fab Four -- Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Laxman -- being criticised for a below par performance in Sri Lanka, and Ganguly getting dropped for the forthcoming Irani Trophy, Laxman's career has also come under scrutiny.

If one goes by facts only, Laxman's performance in Sri Lanka was far better vis-a-vis the other three. The Hyderabad player scored 215 runs in six innings @ 48.53, inclusive of two half-centuries. But if you compare that with his earlier efforts, it does come across as a disappointment.

Here is a break-up of Laxman's performances over the years. This will give you an idea why so much is expected from the Hyderabadi batsman.

VVS Laxman's performance in Test cricket (in each calendar year)

Year Mts Inns NO Runs Avg Hs 100s 50s 0s
1996 2 4 0 77 19.25 51 0 1 0
1997 6 9 2 212 30.29 64 0 2 1
1998 2 3 0 116 38.66 95 0 1 0
1999 6 12 0 221 18.42 67 0 1 2
2000 3 5 1 208 52.00 167 1 0 1
2001 10 16 0 869 54.31 281 1 5 0
2002 15 23 4 984 51.79 154* 2 5 2
2003 5 10 3 595 85.00 148 2 3 0
2004 12 16 0 513 32.06 178 1 2 0
2005 8 12 1 508 46.18 140 2 3 1
2006 10 18 4 561 40.07 100 1 4 2
2007 8 14 5 496 55.11 112* 1 3 0
2008 9 16 1 640 42.66 109 1 5 0
TOTAL 96 158 21 6000 43.80 281 12 35 9

The following table gives a break-up of Laxman's performance in each span of 20 matches. Here, too, he does not seem to be perform badly. In fact, this current segment is second best of his career!

 
Laxman's performance in each progressive span of 20 matches:
Match # Inns NO Runs Avg Hs 100s 50s 0s SR
1 - 20 35 3 866 27.06 167 1 5 4 44.43
21 - 40 30 3 1568 58.07 281 2 10 0 55.13
41 - 60 32 4 1352 48.29 178 4 5 2 48.63
61 - 80 33 5 1092 39.00 140 3 7 3 44.14
81 - 96 28 6 1122 51.00 112* 2 8 0 51.94
 
Laxman has always enjoyed playing against Australia and this is one factor that alone should put him in the Test squad against Australia.
 
Laxman against Australia:
  Mts Inns NO Runs Avg Hs 100s 50s 0s
vs Australia 20 37 1 1823 50.64 281 5 8 1
Rajneesh Gupta