Memorable Test innings by each of the 'Fab Five' of Indian Cricket

#4 Sourav Ganguly, vs Australia, Brisbane 2003 (144 off 260 balls)

Ganguly's 144 was the cornerstone for the success of the 2003-04 tour

The first Test of an overseas sojourn is always important. Hence, pre-series preparation leading up to the Test match play a massive part. India's captain Sourav Ganguly, abiding by the aforementioned fact went to Australia early in a bid to acclimatize to the hostile pitches, that was to be dished out to his team, especially at the Gabba. Ganguly did exactly that by travelling down under one month prior to the 4-match series and even took tips from Greg Chappell.

India, in reply to Australia's 323 in the first innings, was on tenterhooks at 4-66 when Ganguly produced one of the finest knocks the Gabba had ever witnessed. Initially peppered with the short balls by the likes of Jason Gillespie and Andy Bichel, Ganguly came into his own with some delightful square cut and drives. Soon, the Gabba was lit up by the class and precision of the Indian captain as he pulled and hooked on a lively track with ease.

He was particularly severe on McGill as he carted the leg-spinner all around the ground, forcing Steve Waugh to bring on part-timer Simon Katich. And finally, the moment that Ganguly had been waiting for - an elusive ton in Australia, arrived in the 71st over of the match.

The Prince of Kolkata swept McGill and with the second run, he completed a series defining hundred. Ganguly's 144 not only helped India draw the Test match but also let the shenanigans of the middle order take over in the succeeding games as India achieved a 1-1 draw, which was unthinkable before the start of the series.