Revisiting India's memorable Test wins on Australian soil
The much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be underway on November 22 at the Optus Perth Stadium. Australia will be raring to claim their first Test series win over India in over a decade. Notably, beating Australia in an away Test series was once a dream for India. However, India have recorded some incredible wins on Australian soil in Test history.
India's first-ever Test win Down Under, MCG, 1977
India's first-ever Test win against Australia Down Under came in January 1977 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The visitors claimed a 222-run win as Bhagwath Chandrasekhar took six wickets each in both innings. Chasing 387, Australia were bowled out for 164. Sunil Gavaskar slammed an incredible second-innings ton, while Gundappa Viswanath hammered twin half-centuries.
A Test win in Australia after 22 years, Adelaide, 2003
India's fourth Test win in Australia came after 22 years, in 2003, in Adelaide. Australia compiled 556 on the back of Ricky Ponting's double-century. In response, India were down to 85/4, but Rahul Dravid (233) and VVS Laxman (148) added a triple-century stand. India eventually recorded 523. Australia perished for 196 thereafter, with Ajit Agarkar taking six wickets. Dravid's 72* helped India chase 230.
A win against all odds, Perth, 2008
India's next Test win Down Under came against all odds at the WACA in Perth (2008). The visitors were down and out after incurring umpiring blunders and on-field controversies in the Sydney Test. However, the Anil Kumble-led side bounced back in Perth, claiming a 72-run win. Irfan Pathan (28, 2/63, 46, and 3/54) stood out for India as Australia couldn't chase 413.
India's greatest Test win Down Under, Brisbane, 2021
An inexperienced Indian side caused waves Down Under by winning their first-ever Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, in 2021. The win sealed the series (2-1) for India after they perished for 36 in the opener in Adelaide. Notably, Team India, ravaged by injuries, recorded the highest-ever run-chase (328) in Brisbane. A series-defining 89* from Rishabh Pant scripted India's greatest Test win in Australia.
