2001 Tests in India Were Probably the Most Remarkable: Ponting

“We lost the series but the level of cricket that was played was unbelievable,” says Ricky Ponting.

Indian players Harbhajan Singh and Sameer Dighe celebrate after scoring the winning run against Australia in the third test match at Chennai (Madras then). (Photo: Reuters)

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting on Wednesday said that the 2001 Test series in India, which was won by the hosts, was one of the most remarkable series that he has ever played in.

2001 series was probably the most remarkable Test series I have played in. We lost the series but the level of cricket that was played and the intensity with which the series was played, the audience in attendance right through the series was unbelievable. 

Ricky Ponting, Former Captain, Australia

“All finishing off... going to Kolkata... when you ask (commentator) Harsha Bhogle about his most memorable Test match, pretty sure the Kolkata Test will be one right at the top. (VVS) Laxman 280, (Rahul) Dravid 180, after being enforced follow on, India declared a few hundreds in the front and just had over a session to bowl us out and they did.”

Rahul Dravid (180) and VVS Laxman (281) helped India win the first test match against Australia at Kolkata after following on. (Photo: Reuters)

It was not our proudest moment, but certainly one of Indian cricket’s proudest moments. Then went on to the third Test (in Chennai), that ended up with India hanging on, to win the series. Remarkable series. 

Australia had thrashed India by 10 wickets in Mumbai, but the hosts bounced back to win the Kolkata and Chennai Tests to clinch the three-Test rubber 2-1.