New Delhi: He was not the most outspoken nor he was an eye candy but when he had the bat in hand, he left even the best take notice. The stylish VVS Laxman turns 42 today. The flamboyant right-hander, who made cricket look so easy with his effortless wristy flicks and lofted extra cover drives is now a successful commentator. Laxman scored 8781 runs at an average off 45.97 and he was considered the master of second innings.

But when a cricket fan talks about Laxman, his mind casts back to an inning which changed the face of Indian cricket forever. An inning which etched its name in the History of the game and made even the best of attacks look ordinary.

Here is Laxman's 'very very special' knock off 281 against Australia in the 2001 Test at Kolkata which helped India achieve the impossible; a victory after conceding a follow on. Sit back and enjoy the moment.