This Day in History: Laxman and Dravid Pulled off the Unthinkable

It’s been exactly 17 years since Laxman and Dravid batted an entire day’s play of a Test vs Australia.

VVS Laxman (L) and Rahul Dravid (R) walk back to the pavilion after batting for an entire day of the second Test against Australia in 2001. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Indian Cricket Team)

When any Indian cricket lover is asked to note down their team’s top five moments in international cricket, most of them will certainly have the big partnership (376 runs) between VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) in the second Test against Australia in 2001 on their list.

It’s been exactly seventeen years (14 March 2001) since the day, Laxman and Dravid resumed India’s innings on 254/4 and ended the day at 589/4, but those who were fortunate to watch the spectacular effort will never forget it.

They added 335 runs against a bowling attack comprising Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie, Shane Warne and Michael Kasprowicz on day four of the Test and dragged India out of deepest trouble they could ever find themselves in.

Eventually, India scored 657/7d in their second innings while following on and attained a lead of 383 runs.

Harbhajan Singh worked his magic and picked up six wickets for 73 runs and India won a historic Test match by 171 runs on the final day!