5 unforgettable moments from the India-Australia rivalry that don't fade away

#2 Dada’s defiance at Brisbane

Sourav Ganguly launched an unexpected counter-attack

It was India’s first tour to Australia after a humiliating performance in 1999/00. A young Indian team that had established itself in away tours to England and West Indies was flying in to ruin Steve Waugh’s retirement party. At the helm of affairs was the much loved, Sourav Ganguly.

The draw at Brisbane often goes unnoticed when seen alongside India’s Adelaide victory and Tendulkar’s heroics at Sydney. With this result, the Indians proved that they weren't in Australia as tourists.

It was an overcast morning; Australia had been dismissed for a relatively low score of 323. Akash Chopra and Virender Sehwag had weathered the early storm and had put up 61 on the board. But, wickets in quick succession got Ganguly on the pitch with the scorecard reading 62/3.

Ganguly launched a counter-attack that left his opposition gasping for breath. With the field placement, it was clear that the plan was to get him out outside off, but he was God of offside for a reason.

The bowlers tried, but failed and at the end of it, they clapped; applause for a fine hundred from a visiting captain who had managed to clear the demons in his head and had marched his way to an authoritative 144 on a lively track.

Australia escaped with a draw due to the weather after setting the Indians a competitive target of 199 runs in the fourth innings. What India didn’t manage at Brisbane, they managed at Adelaide, where a historic win beckoned.