Sounds fearful but it seems true, with the ongoing test series against New Zealand at home commencing from tomorrow in Hyderabad, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, how are we planning to sustain for a long time innings. The void created by the sudden retirement of V V S Laxman and his long time friend 'the wall' Rahul Dravid is sure to keep the oppositions in a happy environment. However is Team India ready for the challenge. Orthodox batsmen Dravid and Laxman were anchors on test series. But with the two, out of action, the whole burden has to be shouldered by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar alone. Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir are good at the crease, but their on and off tracks should be worrying the think tank, much.

Imagine Laxman the gentleman in the gentleman's game was a class apart. He could turn the out-swinger starting off-stump in to the point or cover, off to the mid-wicket boundary. Another text book shot was his versatility to handle the leg-break to the extra cover. The wrist power coupled with prolonged playing patience saw the nation out of many crucial moments.

And as for Dravid, he would anchor on one side while the pinch hitters punish the bowlers on the other end. The helicopter shot was his best as a right hand batsaman.

Especially, the duo were phenomenally orthodox in their approach and this trait was getting into oblivion or rather extinction amidst youngsters. As the T20 and ODIs take center stage, may be test cricket will be forgotten, over the period of time. And the next set of orthodox hands might be a rare species, all together, too... (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)