Five year anniversary to Dravid’s 233

Mumbai: It was on this day exactly five years ago when Rahul Dravid scored 233 runs to help India amass 523 in reply to Australia’s 556 at the Adelaide Oval. India went on to win the Test match – their first win in Australia in 23 years- to take a 1-0 series lead.

Evoking memories of their fabulous partnership in Kolkata in 2000-01, Dravid was joined by South Zone mate VVS Laxman. The duo added 303 runs for the fifth-wicket after having come together with the score at 85-4, requiring another 271 runs to avoid the follow-on.

Dravid frustrated the Australians by keeping them on the field for two full days and this resulted in the hosts crumbling to 196 all out in their second innings. Ajit Agarkar bowled the best spell of his Test career – claiming 6-41.

India required 233 runs to seal a 1-0 lead in the series and once again it was Dravid who came to the party. The talisman remained unbeaten on 72 and guided India home to one its most famous victories of the 21st century.

Let’s hope Dravid can regain this form if and when he comes out to bat on Sunday against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.