3 Batting pairs which batted the entire day to change the course of a Test match
Cricket is a team game where the word 'I' doesn't exist. With that being said it is known how important partnerships are for any team, be it while chasing or setting up a total. The longest format of the game, Tests, not only the endurance levels of players but also their mental strength and character.
There have been a few batting performances which have completely changed the course of the game. Teams have gone on to win the game even after conceding a huge follow-on in the first innings. Whereas there have been a few courageous batting performances which have even 'saved' the Test match for a team. Out of many such innings, a few iconic batting pairs who have batted out the entire day of a Test match are as follows:
#1 Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman (335 runs against Australia in Kolkata 2001)
The Indian team was facing a difficult time in 2001 where they were suffering defeats in both home and away matches. The Australian team, on the other hand, headed into the second Test after thrashing India by 10 wickets in the first Test. This victory made it 16 consecutive victories for the Australians. The Australian squad comprised of legends like Shane Waugh, Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting, and Glenn McGrath.
The Australians had put up a total of 445 in the first innings and took a lead of 274 as they bowled out the Indians for 171. India started off well in the second inning with barely any hope to save the Test. Rahul Dravid walked in after the dismissal of the Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly with the score reading 232-4. VVS Laxman had earlier scored a half-century in the 1st Inning to save India from the blushes was on the other side. On the end of play on the 3rd Day, the score was 254 for 4 with Laxman on 109 and Dravid on 7.
The Indians who were down and out in the Test match after conceding the follow-on in the first innings saw history being made on Day 4. The day began with both Dravid and Laxman playing counter-attacking cricket to dominate the Aussie bowlers. The Indian batting duo of Dravid and Laxman played out the entire day to score 335 runs between themselves. Ultimately on Day 5, Laxman fell for 281 runs which comprised of 44 boundaries whereas Dravid, later on, fell for 180.
Their batting performance gave India the advantage as they set up a total of 657 for 7 to declare and set a target of 384 for the Australians to chase. The Australians now had 75 overs to either chase down the target or save the Test. The Indian bowling sensation Harbhajan ripped past the Australians to give India a win by 171 runs (The total the Indians scored in the 1st Innings).