Celebrating his maiden Test century in Sydney

Shortly after tea on the fourth day Laxman passed Sunil Gavaskar's 236 not out made against West Indies 18 years ago in Madras.

The first Indian 250 soon followed and it came as something as a surprise when he was out for 281 on the final morning.

Laxman has developed a cardinal fear of the opener's slot after getting a raw deal during his international career.

A victim of the selectors' revolving-door policy, he was twice discarded after being pushed up from the middle-order as India experimented with a variety of openers.

When his chance came again, he did not want to become a sacrificial lamb by being made to open, with India again struggling to find a reliable pair to negotiate the new ball.

Regaining his Test berth against Australia, Laxman took the unprecedented step of stating his preference for the middle order, even if it meant being left out of the final eleven to accomodate a fifth bowler.

Avoiding a Glenn McGrath bouncer

Having shown a fetish for big scores with nine centuries, including two triple hundreds, in 12 domestic matches this season, Laxman was under pressure to do well.

Living up to his promise that he would write his own destiny, Laxman said: "This innings is close to my heart because of the precarious position we were in.

"All the Australians bowled well. They are class bowlers without exception."

Laxman relished being promoted up the batting order to number three after a fighting 59 in the first knock.

"Number three is is my lucky position," he said. "I often bat at this slot for Hyderabad and South Zone."

Now, even more than before, the opener's position will remain a taboo.