VVS Laxman's 'Very Very Special' 281 vs Australia rated top Test performance in last 50 years

New Delhi: Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman's epic 281-run knock against Australia at the Eden Gardens has been rated as the top Test performance by a cricketer in last 50 years, according to a report.

A 25-member panel of cricketers, writers, broadcasters, historians and statisticians assembled by the Cricket Monthly - ESPNcricinfo's monthly magazine, came to this conclusion.

The panel, drawn from all Test-playing nations, included Greg Chappell, John Wright, Tony Cozier, Mark Nicholas, Sanjay Manjrekar, Mike Selvey, Ramiz Raja, Scyld Berry, Osman Samiuddin and Gideon Haigh.

Aussies, who had a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, were in total control of the second Test as well, before the Hyderabad batsman unleashed a plethora of breathtaking strokes.

India were trailing by 274 runs after being bowled out for 171 in reply to visitors' 445 in the first innings, but Laxman once again came to their rescue and stitched a massive 376-run stand with Rahul Dravid (180) to stun the Steve Waugh-led side.

Laxman was also the only Indian batsman to score a half-century in the first innings.

As a result of his marathon effort, India not only won the match by 171 runs, but also went on to clinch the series.