On March 14, 2001, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman batted for Team India throughout the fourth day of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2000-01, played at the iconic Eden Gardens. Batting first after winning the toss, Australia elected to bat first and posted a massive total of 445 runs on the board. Following the score, India failed to encounter the Glenn McGrath challenge and capitulated to 171 all out. Australia pacer grabbed four wickets in the innings to bundle out the Sourav Ganguly-led side for a low total. India were forced to follow on and this time, the hosts lost three quick wickets before ending day three of the game.
In the crunch situation, Laxman along with Dravid stepped up and took Australia’s bowling unit to the cleaners on the fourth day of the contest. The duo batted the entire day and shattered the Aussie side’s confidence. Taking on Australia’s formidable bowling attack, both legends stitched a 376-run stand that helped India notch up 657/7 in the second innings and deliver a target of 384 runs to the visitors on the last day of the match. Laxman registered his Test career’s best knock of 281, while Dravid chipped in with his 180-run innings.
Harbhajan Singh wreaked havoc on Australia to hand India a 171-run victory
Defending the total, India rode on their spin stalwart Harbhajan Singh’s magnificent bowling and folded Australia on 212. The Ricky Ponting-led pack started well with a stable opening stand of Michael Slater and Matthew Hayden, but Harbhajan intervened and shattered the partnership on 74 with Slater’s wicket.
Harbhajan continued his onslaught and picked up the crucial scalps of Justin Langer, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting. With Glenn McGrath’s wicket, he took India home with his 6/73 figures. Sachin Tendulkar also supported Harbhajan as the Master Blaster chipped in with three wickets which included key names such as Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist. Laxman’s sensational batting effort made him the recipient of the player of the match award.
