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Dravid and Laxman’s partnership rescued India from 85/4, helping them reach 523 in reply to Australia’s 556. Dravid made 233, the only double hundred by an Indian in Adelaide, while Laxman scored 148.
Rahul Dravid was named Player of the Match for his innings of 233 and 72. (Image: KKRiders/X, formerly Twitter)
On This Day, 14 December 2003: It has been 21 years since the iconic duo of VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid stunned Australia with a formidable partnership on this day in Adelaide. Almost two-and-a-half years after the Eden Gardens miracle, Laxman and Dravid were at it once again during the second Test of the 2003 India’s Tour of Australia.
After winning the toss, the Steve Waugh-led side put themselves in the driving seat for a victory off a stellar batting display.
India vs Australia Live Cricket Score, 3rd Test Day 1
However, Dravid and Laxman had something to say about Australia’s mammoth lead. The duo combined for 303 runs during India’s first innings, laying the foundation for a historic four-wicket win against their rivals.
With Ricky Ponting leading Australia’s knock, the host side batted through the entirety of the first day of the Adelaide Test. He scored a century off 117 deliveries while smashing 17 boundaries.
The Aussies finished Day 1 with 400 runs from 90 overs. Ponting completed his double century on the second day before losing his wicket in the 127th over.
Australia failed to add a single run after dismissal, finishing with a total of 556.
India didn’t have the brightest of starts to their first innings at the Adelaide Oval. They lost the wickets of key players like Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly by the 21st over. India were left scratching their heads at 85/4.
What followed next went on to become a part of cricket heritage. Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman joined forces to bail India out of the complicated situation.
Only this time, the roles had reversed as Dravid was batting at number three whereas Laxman walked out to the field at number six. Dravid was the more aggressive attacker of the two as he tried to shift the momentum in India’s favour.
On the other side, Laxman used his magical wrists to put up a solid defensive knock.
Both Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman completed their centuries on Day 3 of the Test as they continued batting until Tea Break. Eventually, Laxman fell prey to Andy Bichel in the second delivery of the 115th over, bringing an end to a partnership of 303 runs.
He made his way back to the pavilion after adding 148 runs in 282 deliveries. Rahul Dravid, on the other hand, was dismissed for 233 runs by Jason Gillespie. It brought an end to India’s first innings at 523.
In the second innings, Rahul Dravid scored the winning runs for India with Ajit Agarkar at the non-striker’s end.
