Today In 2003, Rahul Dravid And VVS Laxman Did What They Do Best - Make Australia's Life Miserable

Australia are no strangers to the destructive duo of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. Back in 2001, they added 376 runs and batted an entire day to not only avoid an innings defeat, but win the match for India.

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December 14, 2003, would see something similar. After Australia had piled up 556, India were reeling at 85/4 when Laxman joined Dravid at the crease. What followed was poetry in motion and some exemplary strokeplay.

Both players steadily accumulated runs with stylish shots to the boundary. There were occasional bursts of aggression like when Dravid hit a six to reach his hundred.

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Slowly, but surely they guided India out of trouble and even avoided a follow-on.

When Laxman fell for 148, the score was 388 meaning they had added 303 for the 5th wicket.

Dravid would go on to make 233 and India finished on 523. Australia's hopes of a big lead went up in smoke.

There was never any doubt about the damage these two can inflict and Australia were once again at the receiving end of two of the most patient batsmen in Test cricket.