5 memorable innings by Rahul Dravid in overseas conditions

#3 India vs Pakistan, Rawalpindi, 2004

Rahul Dravid: 270 off 495 balls

April 15, 2004, saw Rawalpindi treated to some exemplary batsman-ship. Rahul Dravid produced a masterpiece with his willow and even the Pakistanis were left in awe of the great man. India was touring their arch-rival Pakistan after 15 years. After winning the ODI series 3-2, the Test series was locked at 1-1, with everything to play for at Rawalpindi. India bowled out Pakistan for a meager total of 224 in the first innings and any hopes of the hosts to restrict the Indians to manageable proportions was wiped off by India's wall as he batted for over six hours bringing up his 5th double hundred in the process, his third in the past six months.

Dravid cut and drove ferociously, yet the highlight of his innings was the way he shouldered arms to the balls around the fourth and fifth stump and his solid front foot defense, a true testimony of his patience and grit. Dravid's patience compelled the Pakistani bowlers to alter their lengths, a move he cashed on, hitting 34 fours and a six in the process. Dravid eventually fell for 270, but not before he had batted Pakistan out of the game and the series. India racked up a mammoth lead of 376 and bowled the hosts out for 245 in their second innings setting up a win by an innings and 131 runs. India went on to win the Test series 2-1, and Rahul Dravid was adjudged the 'Man of the Match' for his innings that led the visitors to their first series win in Pakistan in 50 years.