As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy kicks off on 22nd November, the cricketing world is abuzz with excitement. India and Australia share one of the most intense rivalries in cricket, with memorable Test series played over decades. Since 1947, the Indian team has toured Australia 13 times for Test matches, producing thrilling contests and unforgettable moments. Let’s take a closer look at India’s Test history in Australia.
The Early Years: Struggles Against Dominance (1947-1968)
- 1947-48: The First Tour
India’s maiden Test series in Australia saw a dominant performance by the hosts, who won the five-match series 4-0. The legendary Sir Donald Bradman led the charge with 715 runs at a staggering average of 178.75, while Ray Lindwall’s 18 wickets kept the Indian batters at bay. For India, Vijay Hazare stood out, scoring 429 runs. - 1967-68: Déjà Vu with a 4-0 Defeat
The second tour also ended in disappointment for India as Australia triumphed in another five-match series. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s side showed glimpses of promise, especially with ML Jaisimha’s century in Brisbane and Erapalli Prasanna’s 25 wickets in the series.
Emerging Hope: Close Contests (1977-1986)
- 1977-78: India’s First Wins in Australia
India won two matches in a five-Test series but lost 3-2 overall. Mohinder Amarnath, Gundappa Vishwanath, and Dilip Vengsarkar shone with the bat, while Bishan Singh Bedi’s 31 wickets marked a standout performance. - 1980-81: A Draw with a Dramatic Win
India drew the three-match series 1-1. Kapil Dev’s five-wicket haul and Gundappa Vishwanath’s century in Melbourne secured a famous win in the third Test, dismissing Australia for just 83 in their second innings. - 1985-86: A Series Without Wins or Losses
The three-match series ended 0-0, with neither team able to secure a victory. Sunil Gavaskar amassed 352 runs, while the Australian team, in a transitional phase after losing legends like Dennis Lillee and Greg Chappell, struggled to challenge India.
The Tendulkar Era and Tough Lessons (1991-2004)
- 1991-92: Tendulkar’s First Century
Australia clinched a 4-0 victory, but a young Sachin Tendulkar’s century in Perth provided a silver lining for India. Allan Border’s captaincy and Shane Warne’s emergence defined the series. - 1999-2000: A Crushing Whitewash
Australia swept the three-match series 3-0, with Glenn McGrath’s 18 wickets tormenting Indian batters who couldn’t cross the 300-run mark in any innings. - 2003-04: Dravid’s Heroics in a Drawn Series
India showed grit, drawing the four-match series 1-1. Rahul Dravid’s epic knock in Adelaide and Ajit Agarkar’s match-winning performance helped India to their first win on Australian soil since 1981.
The Kohli Era: A Turn of Fortunes (2007-2021)
- 2007-08: Controversy and a Spirited Comeback
Australia edged India 2-1 in a four-match series filled with drama, including the infamous ‘Monkeygate’ incident. India’s victory in Perth under challenging circumstances showcased their resilience. - 2011-12: End of an Era
A 4-0 defeat marked the final Test series for Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. Despite their experience, India struggled against a formidable Australian attack led by James Pattinson and Peter Siddle. - 2014-15: Kohli’s Rise as Captain
Australia won 2-0 in a four-match series. Virat Kohli, taking over the captaincy mid-series, shone with four centuries, signaling the start of a new era for Indian cricket. - 2018-19: A Historic First Series Win
India, under Kohli’s captaincy, became the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia, triumphing 2-1. Cheteshwar Pujara’s 521 runs and Jasprit Bumrah’s 21 wickets were instrumental in securing victories in Adelaide and Melbourne. - 2020-21: A Comeback for the Ages
India pulled off a remarkable 2-1 series win despite injuries and setbacks, including being bowled out for 36 in Adelaide. Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership, Rishabh Pant’s heroics, and memorable performances by Pujara and Ashwin sealed India’s second consecutive series win Down Under.
India’s tours of Australia have showcased moments of brilliance, resilience, and unforgettable cricket, cementing their legacy in Test cricket’s history.
