While the Sydney Test between Australia and India will begin in next few hours, the former Indian Test specialist batsman VVS Laxman recalled his memory of his first international century which was also in Sydney. He believes that innings was the turning point of his career.

During his first Australia tour in 1999/2000, Laxman played his maiden international century knock during the Sydney Test in January 2000. As an opening batsman, Laxman played a brilliant fighting 167-run knock in the third innings of that Test match. He believes that it was the turning point for him as it gave him massive confidence to carry on his international career.

During a recent promotional event of his autobiography ‘281 And Beyond’, Laxman said about that innings, “Sydney and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) holds a special place in my heart. The 167 was the turning point for me, because I finally gained the confidence that I can do well against the best in the world. The Australian attack consisted of guys like Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Damien Fleming and Brett Lee — who was breathing fire at that time. Before getting that hundred, I felt that I didn’t belong on the international stage.”

Also read: VVS Laxman put ahead his first international century than the heroic 281

At the very beginning of that special innings, Laxman got a hit on his helmet in an over of the Australian pacer Glenn McGrath.

Laxman said about that moment, “It woke me up. When you play quality bowlers like McGrath, you are bound to have difficult moments. It is very, very important to forget about the previous ball and focus only on the present.”

Laxman had another great Test innings at Sydney during his next Australia tour in 2003/04. While Sachin Tendulkar was the hero in that game with the unbeaten 241 runs knock, he and Laxman had a giant 353-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Laxman scored 178 runs in that special innings. Talking about that innings, Laxman praised Sachin Tendulkar for his self-control.

Laxman said, “Sachin’s self-control was unbelievable. I had the best seat in the house (Sachin and Laxman put on 353 runs for the fourth wicket). Sachin didn’t play the cover drive even to part-time bowlers like Simon Katich, Damien Martyn and Steve Waugh. That shows his mental fortitude. It’s so difficult to keep one shot locked up, because once you reach 100 or 150, you get into the flow and start playing your natural strokes.”

Also read: Dravid About Laxman’s 281: Probably The Greatest Indian Innings Ever Played

Currently, the Australian cricket team is struggling in international cricket due to their inexperience. In the ongoing four-match Test series, India is leading the series by 2-1 with the final Test to go. Prior to the Sydney Test, India has a great chance to win their first ever Test series on the Australian soil.

Comparing the Australian cricket team of his time and the present time, Laxman believes that it can’t match.

Laxman said, “The Australians I played against were fearless; not once did the thought of losing cross their minds. Even when they were in a gloomy match-situation, they would make us feel like they were on top. The current Australian team cannot match them in terms of quality and fearless mindset.”