![VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid at Adelaide in 2003 [Source: X/@BCCI]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1765699549781_Adelaide2003.jpg?type=hq)
VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid at Adelaide in 2003 [Source: X/@BCCI]
The intense rivalry between India and Australia during the 2000s produced some of the most dramatic performances by the legends of the game. Especially for Indians, it was a treat to watch Indian batters like Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, and Sachin Tendulkar take on the Aussie bowling attack with absolute elegance.
India’s intense fight against the mighty Aussies
Australia, by then, had proved their supremacy on the 22 yards. On the other hand, India emerged as one of those few nations consistently challenging and fiercely competing with the Aussies. The sheer intensity of this period forged a rivalry that is now often rated even higher than the Ashes.
During this period, Indian cricketers consistently delivered notable performances, including centuries, double centuries, 8-wicket hauls, hat-tricks, and remarkable partnerships. Before the new millennium, India had managed three Test partnerships exceeding 300 runs. But, as of today, the count of 300-plus partnerships is 14.
Significantly, three consecutive 300-plus partnerships came against the formidable Australian side between 2000 and 2004. Two of these three partnerships featured Dravid and Laxman, one of which came on this day in 2003 on Australian soil.
On India's return tour to Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2003-04, no one expected India to match the Australians. After a rain-impacted drawn Test match in Brisbane, which saw the captain Sourav Ganguly leading from the front with a classy hundred, the Indians took their game up by quite a few notches in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval, starting on December 12, 2003.
Ponting’s double ton as India look for a miracle
Ricky Ponting, the Australian captain, took the team total to a daunting 556 in the first innings with a double century. In response, India started by losing their first four wickets- including Virender Sehwag, Tendulkar, and Ganguly-with just 85 runs on board.
This was when the heroes of the 2001 Eden Test match, Dravid and Laxman, walked in to take on the mighty Aussies. There was hardly any expectation of an Eden encore, albeit.
Their first job was to ensure no further damage on the day. They added 95 runs with Laxman showing early aggression and racing to his half-century. At the end of day two, India were on 180/4 with Laxman and Dravid unbeaten on 55 and 43 respectively.
The stage set for an Eden encore
On December 14, day three, the duo flourished further. They overcame the initial challenges from Jason Gillespie, Andy Bichel, and Stuart McGill calmly and soon took India’s score to 200. The grit and poise they put into crossing the initial hurdles and building the partnership was unmatched. They went to Lunch with India on 252/4, and both batters were in their eighties.
By then, the stage was set for another classic by the duo.
The next session between Lunch and Tea proved to be a defining session for India. Both reached their hundreds, making the session significant and pivotal in shifting the momentum in India's favour.
Rahul Dravid was the first one to reach the milestone with a brilliant hook off Gillespie, which went for a six. Laxman was not far behind, and with two cracking boundaries off Bichel, he reached 99 before going for the single required to score his second hundred on Australian soil.
India’s historic win down under, courtesy Dravid-Laxman duo
India soon crossed 300, and the runs started coming more quickly. Their confident stroke play and ability to find gaps put pressure on the Australian bowlers, allowing runs to flow more freely. The duo took less than an hour to race from 300 to 350, with Dravid reaching his 150 as the partnership crossed the 300-run mark.
However, with India at 388/5, Bichel finally got his man. Laxman nicked one to the wicket keeper, Adam Gilchrist, and the 303-run partnership came to an end at the stroke of Tea. Laxman was dismissed for 148- another ‘very very special’ innings against Australia.
Dravid and Laxman's partnership proved to be the turning point of the match. After Laxman’s dismissal, Rahul Dravid continued to anchor the innings, playing with remarkable determination and skill.
He went on to score a magnificent double hundred and was dismissed as India’s final wicket after scoring 233. It was one of those innings that cemented Dravid’s reputation as one of the finest batters for India at No. 3.
Although India conceded a small lead, impressive bowling by Ajit Agarkar restricted Australia in their second innings. With India requiring 230 runs to win the match, Dravid rose to the occasion yet again. With an exceptional and resilient 72 not out, he eventually delivered a historic 4-wicket win for India.
