6 Oct 2010

India score dramatic first test win over Australia

7:43 am on 6 October 2010

The first India-Australia cricket test in Mohali would have been a major distraction from the Commonwealth Games last night as the home side pulled off an unlikely win.

Chasing a modest 216 for victory, India seemed down and out at 124 for 8, but the injured V.V.S Laxman, batting down the order with a runner, revived his role as Australia's chief tormentor with a magnificent unbeaten 73, in partnership with pace bowler Ishant Sharma, to carry his side to victory with one wicket to spare.

Australia's captain Ricky Ponting who's played in nearly 150 tests, said it was one of the best and most exciting matches he's ever played.

The second test in Bangalore starts on Saturday.