New Delhi: After clinching a remarkable victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth, Team India would be aiming to further solidify their position in the five-match series with stellar show in the second Test match at Adelaide. The pink-ball Test begins on Friday at one of cricket’s most picturesque Test venues – the Adelaide Oval, which has been India’s favourite hunting ground since a long time.
From a memorable Test win against Australia in 2003-04 to another remarkable victory in the 2018 edition, India have never failed to prove their might at the venue. With skipper Rohit Sharma back in the side for the second Test, India’s strength has further become solid as the experienced campaigner would be back to lead and play for the side. Ahead of the match, let’s take a look at some of India’s top Test performances at the historic venue.
Dravid, Laxman, Agarkar pull off a heist
Atop the table is India’s win in Adelaide in the 2003-04 edition. Though, the team could not win the series yet the victory at this venue made them forget the series loss. In the first innings, Ricky Ponting’s magnificent double century powered Australia to a total of 556 runs, putting the hosts in the driver’s seat. While India lost first few wickets quickly, Rahul Dravid and VV Laxman then joined hands for 303-run stand to get the team out of trouble.
Dravid’s double century and Laxman’s 148 took India to 523 and the rest was done by pacer Ajit Agarkar who claimed 6 wickets to bowl out Australia for 196 runs. Dravid(72 not out) delivered again in the second innings as India chased down the score successfully to complete a 4-wicket win.
Sehwag, Sachin magic in 2008
Virender Sehwag’s brilliant half-century and Sachin Tendulkar’s masterclass knock of 153 runs helped India put up a first innings score of 526 runs, to which Australia replied with 563 runs. In the second innings, Sehwag again stood tall with a knock of 151 runs that helped India secure a draw after losing the other top batters quickly and Dravid being retired hurt.
Virat Kohli’s special in 2011, 2014
In the 2011-12 edition, Virat Kohli announced his arrival in the India team with his maiden century in Adelaide. His 116-run knock in the first innings impressed one and all though India lost the Test match and the series as well. Meanwhile, the match in Adelaide in the 2014 edition was memorable one as Kohli smashed centuries in both the innings, joining the league of some great players. Kohli fought hard in the chase but India narrowly went down in the game.
Pujara powers India to win in 2018
After having a lean patch in the 2014-15 season, it was in Adelaide in 2018 that Cheteshwar Pujara proved why he’s known as a Test specialist. After experiencing a batting collapse in the first innings, Pujara stood firm as he strokes a patient century to save his team. In the second innings, he played a more patient role with a 71-run knock that disrupted the Aussies mentality and India emerged victorious in that encounter.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: India lock horns with Australia in the second Test match at Adelaide on Friday. India are 1-0 up in the five-match series. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
