Very few batsmen in cricket history have dominated a single opposition the way VVS Laxman did against Australia. VVS Laxman vs Australia Test record is legendary. The elegant right-hander tormented the mighty Aussies with his wristy stroke play, calmness under pressure, and unmatched ability to play big innings when India needed him the most.
VVS Laxman vs Australia Test record is exceptional – he scored 2434 runs in 29 matches at an average of 49.67, including six centuries and twelve fifties. In this article, we analyse VVS Laxman vs Australia Test Record and revisit all six of his memorable centuries that defined his legacy.
Table of Contents
VVV Laxman vs Australia Test Records
- Matches: 29
- Innings: 54
- Runs: 2434
- Average: 49.67
- Highest Score: 281
- Centuries: 6
- Fifties: 12
His performances were crucial in India’s rise as a dominant Test force against Australia, especially in the early 2000s.
All Six Centuries Against Australia
1. 167 at Sydney(January 2000)
Match Result: India lost by an innings and 141 runs
Laxman’s first Test century came at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in 2000, a venue where he would later establish himself as a specialist. With India struggling in the series, he played a lone hand, scoring a brilliant 167 off 198 balls.
His innings, filled with elegant drives and exquisite flicks, was one of the few positives in a defeat. Despite the loss, this knock gave a glimpse of Laxman’s ability to play long innings under pressure.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma ODI 200 List: A Complete Guide of His Double Centuries in ODIs
2. 281 at Kolkata (March 2001)
Match Result: India won by 171 runs
Undoubtedly the greatest Test innings ever played, Laxman’s 281 at Eden Gardens in 2001 is legendary. After follow on, India was in deep trouble. But Laxman, promoted to No. 3, stitched a historic 376-run partnership with Rahul Dravid (180) to turn the match around.
This epic knock remains the highest individual score by an Indian in a Test against Australia. The innings broke Steve Waugh’s invincible Australian team and changed Indian cricket forever.
3. 148 at Adelaide (December 2003)
Match Result: India won by 4 wickets
During India’s 2003-04 tour of Australia, Laxman delivered another match-winning century at Adelaide. Facing a first-innings deficit of 556, he combined with Dravid once again to counterattack the strong Australian pace attack.
His 148 off 282 balls was instrumental in India securing one of their most famous overseas wins. The partnership with Dravid (who scored 233) helped India take a crucial lead, setting up a rare Test victory in Australia.
4. 178 at Sydney (January 2004)
Match Result: Match Drawn
Laxman continued his love affair with the SCG, scoring 178 off 298 balls in the final Test of the 2003-04 series. He, along with Sachin Tendulkar (241*), helped India post a mammoth 705/7 declared—India’s highest Test total in Australia.
The match ended in a draw, but this innings once again proved VVS Laxman vs Australia Test Record Dominance.
5. 109 at Sydney (January 2008)
Match Result: India lost by 122 runs
Four years after his 178, Laxman was back at the SCG for another masterclass. His 109 off 142 balls came in the first innings of a controversial Test that India eventually lost.
Despite the result, his knock stood out as one of the most fluent innings against a strong Australian attack led by Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson.
6. 103* at Galle (August 2010)
Match Result: India won by 5 wickets
Laxman’s final Test century against Australia came at a neutral venue — Galle, Sri Lanka—in 2010. Chasing 216 in the fourth innings on a tricky surface, India found themselves in trouble at 119/5.
Laxman played a match-winning knock, scoring an unbeaten 103 off 149 balls, guiding India to a famous victory. This innings reinforced his status as one of the best finishers in Test cricket.
Why Was Laxman So Successful Against Australia?
- Fearless Against Australian Bowlers
- Mastery of the SCG and Eden Gardens
- Composed Under Pressure
- Wristy Elegance and Timing
Conclusion
VVS Laxman vs Australia Test record is legendary. With 2434 runs at an average of 49.67 and six centuries, he remains one of the greatest Indian batsmen to have played against the mighty Aussies. His 281 at Eden Gardens remains one of the greatest Test innings of all time, while his Adelaide, Sydney, and Galle tons showed his ability to dominate in different conditions.
For Indian fans, Laxman will always be remembered as Australia’s Nightmare, a player who thrived in pressure situations and turned matches with his batting brilliance.