NEW DELHI: The historic Eden Gardens Test between India and Australia is mostly remembered for Harbhajan Singh‘s hat-trick and the historic partnership between VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid.
But batting legend Sachin Tendulkar‘s bowling performance is also one of the key moments that contributed to India’s historic victory. Though known for his batting, Tendulkar played a crucial role with the ball during this iconic match.
Australia were on a record-winning streak of 16 consecutive Test victories and were looking unstoppable.After enforcing the follow-on, Australia seemed in control of the match.
However, a historic partnership between VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) in India’s second innings turned the tide, setting up a dramatic final day.
On Day 5, with Australia chasing a target of 384 runs, India needed quick wickets to put pressure on the visitors.
Then India captain Sourav Ganguly summoned Tendulkar to bowl and seemingly signalled that he will be given only one over.
Tendulkar, often used as a part-time bowler, was used to come in to bowl and provide crucial breakthroughs. Justifying Ganguly’s faith, he took 3 important wickets.
Tendulkar first removed the dangerous Adam Gilchrist for a duck dismissing him leg before wicket as he went for a sweep.
Tendulkar then dismissed the in-form Australian opener Matthew Hayden, who was a major threat to India’s chances, also leg before wicket as he too went for a sweep.
Tendulkar then gave Australia’s legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne a taste of his own medicine by trapping him plumb in front of the wicket with a googly.
Tendulkar’s bowling figures in the second innings were 3 wickets for 31 runs in 11 overs, which were pivotal in turning the game completely in India’s favour.
India bowled out Australia for 212, winning the match by 171 runs.
This victory is considered one of the greatest comebacks in Test cricket history, especially as India became only the third team to win a Test after following on.
Sachin’s contribution with the ball in this match, alongside the monumental batting performances of Laxman and Dravid, played a crucial role in breaking Australia’s unbeaten streak and changing the momentum of the series, which India eventually won 2-1.
