Although India are currently at the pinnacle of test cricket as the side gets ready to partake in the WTC final 2020, the best test match ever, the team wasn’t always as revered as it is today
For Indian test cricket, there might perhaps never be an affair as crucial as the 2001 test match between India and Australia. This match changed cricket history forever in the country and Gentlemen’s game was given a string of new worldclass batsmen.
The partnership between VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid and the 13 wicket haul by the terminator are incidents still cherished by not only Indians but ardent cricket lovers across the global stage.
Best Test Match Ever: India vs Australia 2001
Captain Waugh’s hundred puts Australia ahead in the match
India started the Test match in dominant manner as it went onto put Australia under extreme pressure. However, the hosts were dettered by Steve Waugh who scored his 25th hundred and set up a respectable total of 445 on the board.
Australia force India to follow on
After the first innings, India were on the back foot. In reply, to Australia’s testing total, India could only manage to score 171. Asked to follow on, the team stared at a daunting test with only one side in the history of cricket winning a clash after being asked to follow on.
Also, with Australia on a winning streak of16 consecutive test victories, it was extremely unlikely that India would be able to salvage a draw, leave alone a win.
Dravid, Laxman and Harbhajan script sensational Indian victory
While facing the follow on, captain Sourav Ganguly took a shocking decision and sent VVS Laxman on the bat at number three. And it worked as well for the side as Laxman started playing his natural game.
And he found the much needed company he needed at the other end in the form of the resilient. Laxman and Dravid together went onto score an unbeatable 381 run match-winning partnership.
Laxman hammered home a mammoth 281 and Dravid went onto pile on180 to see India set a target of 384 runs. Buoyed by the gritty batting performance, India spearheaded by Harbhajan Singh pulled off an alluring bowling performance as well. Harbhajan Singh took a 13-wicket haul in the match with his bowling being as significant as the centuries by Laxman and Dravid.
The Indian bowling lineup managed to resist Australia to a measly 212 and win a test match for the first time after being asked to follow on.
Also Read: Most Stylish Cricketer In The World
Recommended: Sports Fan Engagement