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The Miracle at Eden Gardens
Some innings are about runs, others are about belief. At Eden Gardens in 2001, India stood on the brink — following on against a rampant Australia chasing their 17th straight win. Then came VVS Laxman’s 281 and Rahul Dravid’s 180, a partnership that turned despair into dominance. With Harbhajan Singh’s 13 wickets sealing the win, it became one of cricket’s greatest comebacks — a match that redefined Indian cricket’s spirit.
The Setup: Australia’s Final Frontier
Australia arrived in India on a 16-match winning streak, calling this tour their “final frontier.” India had lost the opening Test in Mumbai, Anil Kumble was injured, and Harbhajan Singh had only just been backed to lead the spin attack. When the second Test began at Eden Gardens, it carried both old memories and new pressure, with India desperately needing something extraordinary to keep the series alive.
India on the Brink
Australia piled on 445 in the first innings, captain Steve Waugh leading with a determined century. Harbhajan still found a way to shine, claiming India’s first-ever Test hat-trick, but the visitors held control.
India’s reply was disastrous. The top order crumbled to McGrath and Warne, and only VVS Laxman’s fluent 59 offered resistance. Bowled out for 171, India trailed by 274 runs and were forced to follow on. Eden Gardens fell silent — the series, it seemed, was slipping away.
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Laxman and Dravid: The Turning Point
A bold reshuffle pushed Laxman to number 3, with Rahul Dravid held back for stability. What followed was one of the greatest rescue acts in Test history. Laxman’s elegant wristwork met Dravid’s unyielding defence, and together they blunted Australia’s attack.
On day 4, they turned survival into domination, batting from first ball to last without being separated. By the end of the day, India not only survived, but controlled the match.
Laxman’s innings blossomed into a masterpiece — 281, the highest score by an Indian at the time. At the other end, Dravid battled cramps to craft a heroic 180, proving why he was called the Wall. Their 376-run partnership broke Australia’s grip and turned a lost cause into belief.
Harbhajan Seals the Impossible
India declared on 657 for 7, setting Australia 384 to win in two sessions. Sourav Ganguly attacked with close catchers, and Harbhajan responded with sharp turn that dismantled the top order. Sachin Tendulkar’s clever leg spin added pressure, and as the crowd roared with every dot ball, Australia began to unravel.
From 161 for 3, the collapse came fast. Harbhajan finished with 13 wickets in the match, Tendulkar chipped in, and Australia were bowled out for 212. India won by 171 runs, breaking Australia’s 16-Test winning streak and completing one of cricket’s greatest comebacks.
Why It Endures
The victory at Eden Gardens was only the third time in Test history a team had won after being asked to follow on. It levelled the series at 1–1 and gave India the momentum to clinch the decider in Chennai.
It mattered because it lifted Laxman, Dravid, and Harbhajan into national heroes, and it endures because it showed how Test cricket can produce drama, patience, and joy like no other format. It wasn’t just a win — it was a statement: India could fight, believe, and conquer the so-called final frontier.
