India’s famous overseas Test victories

India tour of Australia, 2nd Test: at Adelaide, Dec 12-16, 2003

Backdrop:

India had not won a test match in Australia for the last 23 years. India’s form under Saurav had been patchy overseas. India played better in England but their play was pitiable in New Zealand and South Africa. The first match of this series was drawn, but there were a lot of positives for India.

Brief Report:

Australia won the toss and chose to bat right away. The batters justified this decision by scoring 556 at a rapid run rate of 4.37 an over. Ricky Ponting scored a brilliant 242 and Australia was all set to score 600 when Kumble stepped in to apply brakes by getting 5 wickets and putting an end to the Australian inning. India, in response were reduced to 85-4, when two of the usual batting pillars stood tall to resurrect the innings.

The two were none other than Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. Dravid scored a double hundred and was the last batsman to be dismissed for India having scored 233. VVS also scored an assured 148. When Australia returned for their second innings to set a target for India, Ajit Agarkar was at his lethal best. His swing did all the damage as he ended up taking 6 wickets and was responsible for removing Australia at 196 runs.

The target was 230, but the gravity of the situation made it appear like 400. India proceeded cautiously and once again it was up to ‘The Wall’ to stand up and see India clear the finish line with ease. He top scored for India with a score of 72 and helped India win with six wickets on hand.

Man of the Match:

Rahul Dravid for his excellent knock in both the innings. It is to be noted that he was on the field for the entire match except for 25 overs.

Final Series Score line:

Series drawn 1-1.