The 2002 Test against England at Leeds is one of India’s best overseas victories. It marks an inflection point of sorts in India’s rise to the top in cricket, as they started winning more away Tests from this point onwards. And we’ve only got better since then…
Despite facing conditions that were best suited for the home side, India won the toss and elected to bat first. On a damp, greenish pitch with overcast skies, India showed grit and determination to stay focussed on day one, losing just two wickets.
They then ensured that the good work done on day one counted as they moved from strength to strength. Centuries from Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly meant that they finally declared at 628 for 8 on day three.
A collective bowling effort saw India dismiss England for just 273 in the first innings. After enforcing the follow-on, India then bowled out England in the second innings for 309, winning the match by an innings and 46 runs.
DID YOU KNOW?
India’s number 3, 4 and 5 got centuries in this Test match. Rahul Dravid scored 148, Sachin Tendulkar 193 and captain Sourav Ganguly made 128, helping the team post a mammoth first innings total.
This was the sixth Test match that India played against England at Leeds. While England won the first three Tests played in 1952, 1959 and 1967; the fourth one played in 1979 ended as a draw. India won the next two Tests against England at Leeds, played in 1986 and 2002.
Picture Credit : Google
