10 unforgettable events in the India-Australia rivalry

#9 Kolkata Test, 2001: A lesson in Guts and Glory

Team India is delighted after beating the Aussies

Having won a record 16 tests on the trot under inspirational captain Steve Waugh, Australia looked unstoppable. However, Ganguly’s men had other plans as they brought the high flying Kangaroos to the ground. Often considered to be one of the best tests ever played, this match is a lesson on how good a leveller cricket is.

Steve won the toss and elected to bat as Australia posted a total of 445. Harbhajan Singh picked up India’s first ever test hat-trick and ended up with 7 Australian wickets. India’s reply, however, was disastrous as they were bowled out for a mere 171 runs. Sensing victory, Tugga enforced the follow on as India were asked to bat again. At 232/4, it looked as if all was lost for Team India. That is when Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman joined hands and stitched a record 376 runs for the 5th wicket, including the 4th day on which not a single wicket fell.

Dada declared the Indian innings at 657/7 as the Aussies were set an unlikely target of 384 for victory. Bhajji was all over the Australian batsmen yet again as he picked up 6 wickets and the mighty Australians were dismissed for 212, thereby handing India an unlikely victory by 171 runs. India carried this momentum in the next test at Chennai as they beat the Aussies by 2 wickets and won the series 2-1.

Relive that historic win in the video below: