(Video) Happy Birthday VVS Laxman, whose whippy flicks were a sight to behold

Veteran Indian cricketer VVS Laxman was blessed with extremely pliant wrists, capable of whipping a ball homing on the fourth stump towards mid-wicket, and even, backward square leg for aesthetic runs. Laxman was often compared with his idol Mohammed Azharuddin for his shot-making prowess on the on-side, yet he was equally strong on the off-side, leaning into drives and caressing backfoot punches with a whole lot of grace. As Laxman celebrates his 47th birthday, let us go back in time and witness the master at the peak of his powers.

Broadcast Schedule

England v Ireland ODI series
ENG v IRE 3rd ODI, County Ground, Bristol
26th September
Start time: 12:30 pm BST