On This Day In 2003: VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid's Epic 303-Run Stand Against Australia

ON THIS DAY IN 2003: The Indian cricket team scripted one of the most iconic wins in the history of the game against Australia in the second Test in December 2003. The Adelaide Oval witnessed a special outing as Team India, under the leadership of Sourav Ganguly, thrillingly got the better of Australia by four wickets. Indian bowling unit did a commendable job to bowl out the Aussies for 196 but the visitors would not have emerged victorious had they not showcased an emphatic batting in the first innings.

It was on this day back in 2003, that Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman stitched a solid 303-run partnership to guide India to a mammoth total of 523. Needless to say, Dravid and Laxman’s remarkable batting paved the way for a memorable Indian victory.

Having dominated the first two days, Australia folded for 556 in the first innings. Ricky Ponting came up with a stunning knock of 242 in the first innings to gain an upper hand for Australia. India’s response was not quite befitting as they lost their two opening batters—Aakash Chopra and Virender Sehwag—with 81 runs on the board. Andy Bichel picked up the first two wickets for Australia.

What happened next was nothing less than a miracle. Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman started batting together with India struggling at 4/85.

The Indian pair exhibited a steely mindset and brought back the memories of their epic partnership at the Eden Gardens Test against the Aussies two years ago. The duo batted elegantly and succeeded in weathering the storm.

VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid put up a mammoth partnership of 303 to bring India back into the contest. Later, Andy Bichel emerged as Australia’s savior, breaking the crucial partnership.

The Aussie pacer claimed the wicket of Laxman who departed having scored 148.

Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman also surpassed the previous record for the highest fifth-wicket stand at Adelaide Oval. The previous record had belonged to Australia’s Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting who forged a partnership of 239 against India in December 1999.

Rahul Dravid scored a double hundred to guide India to a solid total of 523 in the first innings. Dravid had pulled off a remarkable knock of 233 in the first innings.

He produced another vital knock in the second innings of that Test to earn a special win for India. Dravid remained unbeaten on 72 as the visitors claimed a four-wicket victory in the second Test.