Sehwag’s 195-Run Onslaught Lights Up MCG
On December 26, 2003, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Virender Sehwag etched his name into cricketing history with a blistering 195-run knock against Australia. The match, the third Test of the series, was a crucial one for both teams, with India holding a 1-0 lead.
Sehwag, opening the batting with Aakash Chopra, faced a barrage of bouncers from Brett Lee but remained unfazed. His trademark shots, including powerful drives through the covers and flicks through mid-wicket, sent shockwaves through the Australian bowling attack.
Reaching his fifty off 78 balls, Sehwag accelerated his innings, reaching his century off 144 deliveries. As he approached his 150, the crowd erupted in anticipation of a maiden double century. However, fate had a different plan.
With the score on 195, part-time bowler Simon Katich delivered a juicy full toss on the middle stump. Sehwag, eager to reach the milestone with a six, swung his bat but mistimed it, sending the ball straight to Nathan Bracken at deep mid-wicket.
Despite the disappointment of falling short of his double century, Sehwag’s innings had been a masterclass in aggressive batting. His 233-ball knock included 5 sixes and 25 fours, leaving an indelible mark on the match and the series.
In true Sehwag style, he later stated that he would have played the same shot again, regardless of his score. His fearless approach and unwavering belief in his abilities made him one of the most feared batsmen of his generation.
