The iconic Adelaide Oval celebrated as one of the most picturesque cricketing venues in the world, has witnessed some unforgettable moments in Indian Test cricket. Known for its elongated straight boundaries and shorter ones on the square, the oval’s pitch has long been a paradise for batsmen, making it Australia’s finest batting surface. However, since the turn of the century, India has carved its own niche at this historic ground, highlighted by their stunning victory over Australia during the 2003-04 series. Let’s revisit some of India’s most remarkable performances at Adelaide Oval in the 21st century.
The Dravid-Agarkar Masterstroke (2003)
Few matches in Test cricket history have seen a team crumble after posting a massive 550+ in their first innings. But such was the case in 2003 when Australia, bolstered by Ricky Ponting’s majestic 242, amassed 556 runs. India, however, faced early troubles, losing Sachin Tendulkar (1) and skipper Sourav Ganguly (2) cheaply, finding themselves at a precarious 83 for four.
At that moment, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman staged a heroic comeback. Recreating the magic of their Eden Gardens partnership in 2001, the duo stitched together an extraordinary 303-run stand. Dravid’s monumental 233, complemented by Laxman’s elegant 148, propelled India to a solid 523.
The spotlight then shifted to Ajit Agarkar, who delivered a lethal spell, claiming six wickets for just 41 runs, as Australia was bundled out for 196. With a target of 230 in sight, Dravid once again stood resilient with an unbeaten 72, leading India to a memorable four-wicket triumph.
Sehwag and Tendulkar Shine Bright (January 2008)
The fourth Test of the 2008 series, overshadowed by the infamous Monkeygate scandal, saw India trailing 1-2. Determined to fight back, Virender Sehwag returned to the squad, contributing a fiery 63. However, it was Sachin Tendulkar’s masterful 153, showcasing the maestro in his prime, that propelled India to a formidable total of 526.
Australia responded with 563, leaving India in a tough spot. When regular wickets began falling and Rahul Dravid retired hurt for just 11, Sehwag stepped up. Displaying uncharacteristic restraint, he played a gritty innings of 151 off 236 balls. His heroics ensured India salvaged a hard-fought draw, marking one of his most commendable centuries.
Kohli’s Adelaide Legacy (2011, 2014)
Virat Kohli’s journey to becoming India’s modern-day cricketing giant began in Adelaide. During the January 2012 Test, after promising performances in Perth, he announced himself with a gutsy maiden century of 116 runs. Though India faced a crushing 298-run defeat and endured a 4-0 whitewash in the series, Kohli’s innings hinted at the rise of a future great.
Fast-forward to December 2014, Kohli’s leadership skills were put to the test as he assumed the role of captain in MS Dhoni’s absence. Rising to the occasion, he scored centuries in both innings (115 and 141), joining legends like Vijay Hazare and Sunil Gavaskar in achieving this rare feat on Australian soil.
Despite a narrow 48-run loss, Kohli’s aggressive approach and fearless pursuit of 364 in the fourth innings sent a clear message: India’s Test cricket under his captaincy would be bold and daring.
Pujara’s Grit Leads to Victory (December 2018)
Adelaide in December 2018 became a stage for Cheteshwar Pujara’s redemption. After a subdued performance on India’s previous tour, Pujara silenced critics with a magnificent 123 in the first innings.
India, reeling at 127 for six, was revived by Pujara’s unyielding resolve, as he batted for 376 minutes and faced 246 balls to guide the team to 250. His second innings saw another determined effort of 71 runs off 204 balls, wearing down the Australian attack.
Pujara’s defiance laid the groundwork for India’s thrilling 16-run victory, earning him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award.
From the resilience of Dravid and Agarkar to the boldness of Kohli and the doggedness of Pujara, Adelaide Oval has been a canvas for some of India’s finest Test cricket stories. These moments not only highlight India’s tenacity but also showcase its evolution into a formidable force on the international stage. As the years pass, these Adelaide triumphs remain etched in cricketing folklore, inspiring generations to come.