It could not go on forever, Australia lost their edge as an inspired India, led by a defiant 281 from VVS Laxman a 13 wickets from offspinner Harbhajan Singh spoiled the Aussie's party.

After two days, India were on the ropes, at 128-8 trailing by 317. But the next two days belonged to Laxman and Rahul Dravid. Laxman's ten and a half hours of resistance included 44 fours, it was India's highest Test innings.

Australia had put u 445, mainly thanks to another timely Steve Waugh century, in the face of a Singh hat-trick. Waugh got support from Jason Gillespie (46) adding 133 for the ninth wicket. Then number eleven Glenn McGrath hung around for 21*, adding a further 43 taking Australia into a seemingly strong position.

Then the Aussie bowlers started taking apart the Indian batting. Only Laxman stood firm, he was last out for 59. Following on early on the third day, Laxman came in first wicket down, and the stage was set for a monumental innings that changed the world cricket scene. No on would have bet on India batting the whole of the fourth day for no loss, but Laxman and Dravid duly did.Leaving India in a strong position and with a handy lead.

Laxman missed out on a triple-century, departing early on day five, while Dravid was soon after run out for a disciplined 180. The luxury of the declaration left the Australians 75 overs to bat, with an unlikely 384 required.

Again Michael Slater and Matt Hayden began with a solid base, 74 in 23 overs, before Slater was the first to go. It was Singh's eighth wicket of the match, and he was not finished their. Langer and Mark Waugh went leaving them 116-3, with 45 overs left.

Steve Waugh joined Hayden, and the pair added 50 in 15 overs to soak up some of the pressure. Singh and Sachin Tendulkar then struck to leave them reeling at 174 for eight, still 23 from safety. Warne completed a pair, Gilchrist - a hero in Mumbai - bagged a king pair, as the possibility of defeat became more likely.

When Hayden missed a Tendulkar full-toss, the game was all but up. Gillespie, Kasprowicz and McGrath prolonged the cause within half and hour of the close of play, but Singh finished them off, ending with 13 for 196 for his troubles.

It was Laxman though, that took most of the plaudits. Standing tall in the face of the all-conquering Australian's, he batted for over two days of the match, leaving Australia to deal with the reality that they would have to start the cycle all over again. Would they be hungry for revenge in Chennai...?

Richard Kendall