SYDNEY, Jan 3: India are hoping that history will repeat itself after staging a brave fightback in the second Test against Australia on Thursday.

Vangipurappu Laxman and Rahul Dravid rekindled memories of their past heroics against Australia with an inspiring 175-run partnership on the second day at the SCG.

Laxman made 109 and Dravid 53 to guide the tourists out of immediate danger to 216 for three in reply to Australia’s 463.

They still have a long way to go but Laxman said the Indians were suddenly back into the match and had the self-belief they could win just a week after their 337-run loss in Melbourne.

“It’s really balanced well but it’s very important how we start off tomorrow morning,” Laxman told a news conference. “If we can build a big partnership we can have a big first innings total and put pressure on the Aussies.”

Laxman and Dravid have a habit of saving their best for the Australians and their performances on Thursday brought back happy memories from the past.

Laxman has scored five centuries against Australia and the pair famously shared a magnificent 376-run partnership in the ‘Miracle of Kolkata’ win in 2001 as well as a 303-run stand in Adelaide two years later.

“It’s always a satisfying thing for any cricketer to do well against the best team in the world,” Laxman said.—Reuters