5 reasons why Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2001 remains as India's best Test series ever

#4 The Laxman and Dravid partnership

After losing the first test badly in just 3 days, a disappointed but hopeful team India went to Kolkata in an attempt to level the series. Australia put up a huge total on the board in the first innings and India were reeling on128-8 after a disappointing batting performance.

India failed to avoid the follow-on and were asked to bat again. Laxman, who high scored with 59 in the first innings was promoted up the order to bat at number 3 in the second innings. And the rest is history!

Laxman played a phenomenal innings. It was mesmerising to see him flicking, driving and cutting the ball with such ease and perfection. He refused to give up and was unperturbed by the strong and fearful Australian bowling attack.

Accompanying him was ‘the dependable’ Rahul Dravid. If Laxman thrashed the Australian bowlers, Dravid added to that pain. He was classy as ever and batted with grit and determination to ensure India gets a grip over the match.

Laxman and Dravid were involved in a 376 run partnership with Laxman scoring 281 and Dravid scoring 180. They scripted one of India’s finest and memorable test victories ever which is etched in the memory of every Indian.