Border Gavaskar Trophy: When Rahul Dravid notched up one of the greatest performances by an Indian batsman overseas

NEW DELHI: India batting great Rahul Dravid has a stellar record against Australia, one of the most dominant teams during his era. His performances, especially in Test cricket, are particularly memorable, with several iconic innings against the Aussies.Dravid's first tour to Australia in 1999 was nothing short of disastrous with a highest score of 35 in the first Test in Adelaide. But by the time the 2003-04 tour came along, Dravid had enhanced his reputation of being one of the finest Test batsmen in the world and had also played the greatest supporting act in the history of Indian cricket in the previous series against Australia (2001) - a momentous 180 at the Eden Gardens, when India won the match after following on.Batting first in the second Test of the series in 2003, Ricky Ponting smashed 242 as the Aussies racked up 556 runs on the board. India were reeling at 85/4 when VVS Laxman walked out to join Dravid at the crease. And together the 'Aussie tormentors' replayed their legendary Eden partnership with a 303-run stand for the fifth wicket. Dravid reached his century off 223 balls on Day 3 and kept going great guns after the dismissal of Laxman (148), notching up his fourth Test double hundred off 386 deliveries on Day 4. Dravid hit 23 fours and a six in his 233-run knock and his was the last wicket to fall with India having scored 523 runs in their first innings.Dravid followed up his first innings marathon effort with an unbeaten 72-run knock in the second innings as India chased down a 230-run target to win the match by 4 wickets and take a 1-0 series lead against Australia in Australia for the first time ever. Dravid's performance in the Adelaide Test is one of the most iconic innings in Indian cricket history. The match is often remembered for Dravid's remarkable batting and India's historic victory.Dravid's 233 in the first innings and 72* in the second exemplified his reputation as "The Wall", a batsman known for his patience, technique, and ability to perform under pressure. His heroic efforts in this match are often regarded as one of the greatest performances by an Indian batsman overseas.Dravid consistently performed against Australia across formats. His solid technique and temperament made him one of India's most dependable batters against the strong Australian bowling line-ups featuring the likes of Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, and Brett Lee.Dravid's ability to bat long periods, his resilience, and his hunger for runs earned him great respect from Australia's players and fans alike.