India vs Australia Flashback: India's Dominating Tour Of Australia

India's 2003 tour of Australia was a tour which surprised everyone and confused cricket pundits. India retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy as the series drew 1-1. Indian team, in 2003, had a mix

Third test match(Melbourne), 26-30 Dec - Indian captain won the toss and opted to bat first on a bright sunny day. His decision turned out to be a correct one as the Indian openers, Virender Sehwag and Aakash Chopra, added 141 runs for the first wicket. Sehwag continued his masterful batting and got good support from Rahul Dravid. India after losing Sehwag's wicket, who scored 195 runs, were pushed to the back foot. India lost the last six wickets for 16 runs and got bowled out for 366. Australians replied with an even better batting display from Mathew Hayden and Ricky Ponting. Hayden scored an aggressive 136 while Ponting stood at one end playing, a matured knock of 257. Aussies piled up 558 runs getting a healthy lead over Indians.

Australians took early wickets of both the Indian openers but Rahul Dravid and Saurav Ganguly steadied the ship. Dravid fell short of eight runs for his century. With not much support from the rest of the batsmen, India got all out for 286, giving a target of 95 runs. Australians leveled the series with ease. Ricky Ponting got a well-deserved player of the match award. 

Brief Score: India - 366 & 286; Australia - 558 & 97/1

Player of the match - Ricky Ponting (257, 31*)