5 Best Test knocks played by Indian batsmen in Australia

#3 VVS Laxman - 167 at SCG, 2000

VVS Laxman's 167

It was a forgettable series for India as they were humiliated by The Kangaroos in the series. In the first two matches, Australia defeated India by a huge margin. Third match was nothing less and India lost the match by an innings. However, one positive thing did come out of the match and it was the way VVS Laxman played the Australian quicks. Australia put 552 runs on the board in the first innings and in reply, India surrendered at a mere score of 150.

They were asked to follow on, but it was the repetition of the same tale. VVS Laxman, however, was the standout performer for India. India were all out at 261 in the second innings as well. Out of the 261 runs scored by India, 167 came out of Laxman’s bat. No other batsman managed to cross the 30-run mark and only three batsmen, excluding VVS Laxman managed double figures. One will hardly ever find a better lone warrior knock, especially in Australia’s den, compared to this.

---

#4 Rahul Dravid - 233 at Adelaide Oval, 2003-04

Rahul Dravid's 233

If one is to make a list of the best Test matches India have played, this match has to be added to that list without a shadow of a doubt. Australia posed a mammoth total of 556 in the first innings. India, in reply, were 4 down with less than 100 runs on the board. Australia looked to have won the match there because they were still over 450 runs ahead.

However, Rahul Dravid had plans of his own. He made sure that the Aussies do not get away with the win. Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman added over 300 runs for the fifth wicket and helped India’s chances in the match. Rahul Dravid was the last to perish and with his help, India reached 523. He showed the world why he is called Mr. Dependant.

Bowlers did their job in the second innings by restricting the opposition to less than 200 runs and India won the match by 4 wickets, thanks to The Wall’s unbeaten 72. He was declared the man of the match for his brilliant batting and he was the reason behind India winning one of their best ever overseas Test matches.

---

#5 Sourav Ganguly - 144 at The Gabba, 2003-04

Sourav Ganguly's 144

Sourav Ganguly’s 144 at the Gabba is one of the most underrated knocks in Test cricket history because there was so much more than just runs to this knock. It was the first innings of the series and India lost wickets quickly after a decent start. At one stage, India were 4 down for 127 and at that moment, it looked like it will be just another one sided tour for India.

However, Dada led from the front and guided India to escape a possible collapse. He scored 144 runs for the team and helped India reach 409 runs and get a lead in the first innings. The best part about this knock was that it came under immense pressure and it laid the foundation for India, not only in the match but also the series. Because of this knock, India had a memorable tour and gave a tough challenging series to the home side.