Top 3 knocks of Sourav Ganguly in Tests

On July 8, 1972, Sourav Ganguly was born in modern-day Kolkata and went on to become one of the most successful all-format captains in India’s cricketing history. The left-handed batter was also a vital member of his team’s famous batting core alongside Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and later Virender Sehwag.

Ganguly is one of the six Indian batters to score more than 10,000 runs in One Day Internationals. His Test career, however, remains underrated compared to some of his teammates. The southpaw ended his international career with 7,212 runs in the longest format of the game at an average of 42.17 and 16 centuries. There have been numerous knocks from Ganguly that have not only helped build his legacy but have also been etched in Indian cricket folklore.

Here are three of Sourav Ganguly’s best innings in Test match cricket:

1. 239 vs Pakistan, 2007

Ganguly’s only double hundred in international cricket came against arch-rivals Pakistan in Bengaluru in 2007. Now playing under the captaincy of spinner Anil Kumble, the lefty had only returned to the Test setup a few months before after a public fallout with coach Greg Chappell. On a special occasion, Ganguly came out to bat with India 44 for 2 and went on to score 239 from 361, an innings consisting of 30 fours and two sixes. During the course of his innings, he forged a 300-run partnership with Yuvraj Singh, who himself hit 169, and a further 178-run stand with all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who also hit a century.

2. 131 vs England, 1996

The second Test between India and England in 1996 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground will always hold a special place in the history of Indian cricket as it saw the debuts of both Ganguly and Dravid. While the latter scored 95 in his maiden innings, Ganguly became only the seventh Indian to score a century on his debut Test innings, hitting 131 from 301. Coming in to bat at number three with the score 25 for 1, the stylish batter stayed on the crease till 296, which included a crucial sixth-wicket partnership worth 94 runs with Dravid. The all-rounder would also take three wickets on debut, including figures of 2 for 49 in the first innings.

3. 144 vs Australia, 2003

Widely regarded as the most important individual knock for India in overseas conditions, Ganguly scored a magnificent century to help his side secure a draw in Brisbane in the first Test match. Coming in to bat with India 62 for 3, having lost both Dravid and Tendulkar on a green and bouncy wicket, the left-handed captain began the counterattack against the likes of Jason Gillespie and Nathan Bracken. Playing in some extremely tough conditions, Ganguly scored 144 off 196 balls, hitting 18 boundaries along the way. He was rightfully awarded Player of the Match for his heroics in the first innings, which eventually led to the Men in Blue securing an historic tied series.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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