On this day: Rahul Dravid’s heroics guide India to a historic win in Adelaide
In the 90s and 2000s, Australia were a juggernaut that was cruising through every team in its path. Beating them away was a challenge, let alone defeating them in their own backyard. However, on this day in 2003, India managed a spectacular feat as they defeated the hosts in Adelaide in the first Test of the four-match series. The victory remains one of the sweetest memories for the Indian cricket fans.
Ponting’s double
Having won the toss, the Australians were right on top of their game as they finished 400 for 5 on Day 1 courtesy of a brilliant unbeaten 176 from Ricky Ponting. Building up further on their lead, Australia were dismissed for a mammoth 556 as Ponting went on to slam 242. The bowlers had much to cheer on the second day as Anil Kumble bagged a 5-wicket haul. However, the Indians were completely dominated by the Aussies, who reduced them to 85 for 4 at one stage. Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman joined each other and ensured that India did not lose any wickets by the end of Day 2.
The classical 233 of Rahul Dravid at the Adelaide Oval in 2003. One of the finest knock of Dravid’s career, just like ‘THE WALL’ stood till the end. pic.twitter.com/t9V1gdxHIj
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 28, 2020
Reprising Kolkata heroics
Resuming the next day at 180 for 4, the duo batted almost the entire day taking the least risk and displaying solid defence. Both Dravid and Laxman notched up centuries and added 303 runs between them as they kept the Aussies wicket-less for 94 overs. The partnership was broken when Laxman was dismissed for 148, but India closed the day at 477 for 7, which was nowhere in sight the previous day. The next morning India finished at 523, by when Rahul Dravid had got to a fine double century (233 from 446).
Agarkar’s dream spell
Ajit Agarkar’s spectacular six-wicket haul had set up a target of 230 runs for India as the Aussies were tumbled for 196 runs in 56.2 overs. The only notable contributions came from Steve Waugh (42), Simon Katich (31), and Adam Gilchrist (43). In an intense morning session on Day 5, the Australians came at the Indians with all guns blazing.
A young Ajit Agarkar was instrumental in India’s landmark win in Adelaide in 2003! #20in2020 pic.twitter.com/rvLCpeycid
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) July 10, 2020
When Rahul Dravid walked out to bat, he knew that India were on the brink of achieving something special. Though India lost Sehwag (47), Tendulkar (37), and Laxman (32), Dravid turned in his second heroic innings of the match and remained unbeaten on 72 as India registered a magnificent four-wicket victory to go 1-0 up in the four-Test series. It was India’s first win in Australia since 1980-81 when they won in Melbourne.
