Cricket is loved by millions because it is not just about two teams competing against each other on the 22 yards. That stretch symbolizes the story of grit, unwavering passion, and a will to fight till the last ounce of sweat and blood. The Indian team led by an indomitable Prince of Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly, who had been playing on his turf scripted the most unbelievable comeback story in the Kolkata Test on this day in 2001.
A game of two halves
Steve Waugh, determined to conquer the ‘final frontier,’ decided to bat first after winning the toss. The Australian team exploited the excellent batting conditions on the first day. Michael Slater and Matthew Hayden added more than 100 runs for the first wicket. This momentum was later capitalized by the middle order as Steve Waugh showed the way with his century. In the end, Australia posted 445 runs on the board to put a strong step forward in a decisive match.
The tragedy is how one can describe India’s batting performance in the first innings. The Aussie bowling attack just sucked the life out of a star-studded Indian batting unit. Wickets at regular intervals pushed India towards a terrible collapse which ended with the home side getting restricted to a paltry 171 runs in the first innings. Glenn McGrath was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors with four wickets. Australia imposed a follow-on and forced India to bat again.
A scintillating comeback
The Kangaroos were in complete control of the game when the second innings started. The Indian openers showed some steel to take off the pressure. A fifty-plus opening stand from Shiv Sunder Das and Sadaoppan Ramesh ensured a solid start for India. However, the Australians once again clawed back with two quick wickets including Sachin’s dismissal. Skipper Sourav Ganguly along with VVS Laxman took charge of proceedings and built a 117-run partnership to switch the momentum. Ganguly’s dismissal brought Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman together on the crease. A duo that was going to script history with their unparalleled grit and ability to stand tall in adversity.
On the fourth day, India did not lose any wickets as Dravid and Laxman batted the whole day. This partnership completely changed the equation of the game and put it in the balance. On the fifth day, India declared with 657/7 on the board. Laxman scored 281 runs whereas Dravid contributed 180 runs to the team’s total.
To win the Test match India had to wrap up the Australian innings before the stumps. In came, the ‘turbanator’ Harbhajan Singh who weaved his magic to rattle the Kangaroos. He dismissed six Australian batters to help India restrict the visitors to 212 runs in the run chase. India levelled the series with an emphatic 171-run victory before going into the third Test in Chennai. This was not just another victory for India but it was the start of a renaissance in Indian cricket led by an inspiring Sourav Ganguly.