India’s famous overseas Test victories

India tour of England, 3rd Test at Leeds, Aug 22-26, 2002

Backdrop:

England was leading the series 1-0. Indians found it very difficult to get England all out, as the lowest score for which England was dismissed in the previous 2 matches was 487. Headingly pitch was known for producing results. As India was judged to not have enough bowling firepower overseas, England was the favourite.

Brief Report:

Saurav Ganguly won the toss and had no hesitation in choosing to bat first. Indian batters played extremely well and the trio of Dravid, Sachin and Saurav got centuries and India declared at a mammoth 628/8. The spin duo of Kumble and Harbhajan stood up for India during England’s innings and took 3 wickets each and bundled them out for 273. Alex Stuart was playing a lone battle and remained not out on 78. India enforced follow on and Kumble rode on his confidence to take 4 more wickets in second innings. England got all out for 309, with Nasser Hussain (who is an Indian by birth) the highest scorer for hosts at 110. India thus levelled the series.

Man of the match:

Rahul Dravid for his century and excellent slip catching

Final Series score line:

4-match series level 1-1