Virat Kohli achieves perfect batting form; Dravid, Agarkar break 22-year drought in Adelaide: India's finest moments

Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman once again showcased their magic at Adelaide, reminiscent of their iconic partnership at Eden Gardens years ago. Despite being under pressure after Ricky Ponting's double century in the first innings, the duo combined forces to defy Australia. Dravid played a marathon innings, scoring 233 runs off 446 balls, while Laxman contributed with a brilliant 148 off 282 deliveries. Their 303-run partnership for the fifth wicket took India close to Australia's total and frustrated the hosts. In the second innings, it was Ajit Agarkar who stepped up with the ball, claiming a six-wicket haul to dismantle the Australian batting line-up as they were bowled out for 196. Dravid, once again leading from the front, remained unbeaten on 72 to guide India to a historic Test victory in Adelaide after 22 years.

It was the final match of the series and Sachin Tendulkar came up big with a 153-run knock in the first innings to help India post a mammoth 526. However, Australia replied strongly with centuries from Ricky Ponting (140), Michael Clarke (118) and Matthew Hayden (103) as the hosts did manage to take a crucial 37-run lead and put the pressure back on India. A win was off the cards for India now, but Australia were capable of causing a defeat, as the pitch started providing the assistance to the bowlers. Virender Sehwag took the onus on himself and stood tall against all odds with a 151-run knock, which helped India settle for a draw.

Under Virat Kohli's captaincy, India managed to cause some serious panic in the Australian camp. The young Indian leader was in no mood to back down from the challenge and gave it back to the arrogant Aussies with centuries in both innings (115 and 141). The visitors lost the match by 48 runs, but it surely turned the tide regarding what the world cricket team thought about India's approach in Tests. Kohli's India was not going to settle for a draw in overseas conditions, and the skipper was ready to take the onus on himself to walk the take. It also started the peak of Kohli's era as a Test cricketer.

Cheteshwar Pujara displayed a strong character when it was getting tough for the other Indian batters and scored a resilient century to help India post a fighting 250 in first innings. The talismanic batter faced 246 balls and scored 123 runs laced with 7 fours and a six. The Indian bowlers did a fine job in restricting Australia to 235 to give the visitors a chance to claim a lead in the series. Pujara fought hard with the bat in the second innings and frustrated the Aussies with 71 of 204 balls. The troika of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ravichandran Ashwin did the job with the ball and claimed three wickets each to help India register a 31-run win and eventually clinch their first-ever series Down Under.