5 greatest Test innings by Rahul Dravid 

On India's tour of England in 2002, Rahul Dravid played a key role in India's win at Headingley

#2. 148 vs England, Headingley, 2002

So, it’s England. The weather is overcast, the pitch is lush green, perfect conditions to bowl in. But, what does the Indian captain Sourav Ganguly do after winning the toss? He decides to bat first. Everybody thinks he has made a suicidal move for his team.

India loses Virender Sehwag, the centurion from the last game early on, in the seventh over. Things aren’t looking good. But Dravid rises to the occasion and prevents any more dents from being made in the Indian team’s batting line-up.

He shares a pivotal 2nd wicket partnership worth 170 runs with Sanjay Bangar that completely nullifies the threat with the new ball. It also protects Indian batting’s other mainstays – Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly – from being exposed to the new ball in helpful conditions. Both go on to make a hundred when they bat.

This was as big a test of technique and fortitude that a batsman can face and not surprisingly, it was Dravid who stood up for his country and team and built a great platform to set up a memorable win for India. Now you know why he is the great wall of India.