Team India made a mockery of the Australian bowling attack and batting unit at the Optus Stadium in Perth during the first Border Gavaskar Trophy Test. The Indian team, under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah, were all over the hosts in Perth and registered a famous victory by 295 runs, leaving Australia dispersed. With a 1-0 lead in their kitty, team India has kicked off the series in the most effective manner and would be hoping to continue with the same intensity and momentum in the remaining Tests.
The Australian pitches and conditions have always aided pacers. The conditions down under have always suited seamers and pacers, and this is something both teams have stressed. The Indian bowling attack, especially the pacers, is a new breed with the likes of Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Akashdeep, and Mohammad Siraj in the squad and one of the best pacers in the world, Jasprit Bumarh leading the pack. In this post, we will be discussing the Indian bowling attack, which could well be the key to success in the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Jasprit Bumrah is the most vital cog in the Indian bowling lineup in Australian conditions. The fiery pacer took 8 wickets in the opening game and deservingly walked away with the Man of the Match trophy. Bumrah has already built a legacy in World Cricket and his numbers speaks volumes for the talent he possesses. Bumrah’s action makes him a fearsomely unique prospect in India’s bowling unit and he will hold the key in this series.
Matches in Australia
Wickets
Economy
Average
Best in an Innings
9
44
2.47
18.47
6/33
Ravichandran Ashwin
The experience of Ravichandran Ashwin will be handy for the Indian team in Australia. Irrespective of the fact that the Australian conditions don’t favor spinners much, but Ashwin being a wiley customer, will surely bring something out of his armory to trouble the Aussies batters. Check his numbers below.
Irrespective of the conditions, left-arm spinners somehow get into wickets, and Ravindra Jadeja is a prime example of this. Jadeja’s quality is that he is always at the stumps and doesn’t give any room whatsoever to the batters. Jadeja’s all-round abilities could be crucial in Australia. Check out his numbers in Australia.
Matches in Australia
Wickets
Economy
Average
Best in an Innings
4
14
2.41
21.78
4/62
Mohammad Siraj
Mohammad Siraj will be the partner in crime of Jasprit Bumrah in this Border Gavaskar Trophy. The right-arm medium pacer scalped 2 in the first innings and 3 wickets in the second in Perth and played an instrumental role in bowling out Australia in the second innings. Siraj will be the first-choice bowler to partner Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Matches in Australia
Wickets
Economy
Average
Best in an Innings
9
22
2.97
25.13
5/73
Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana impressed one and all in the opening Test. Castling Travis Head in the first innings was the premier highlight of his debut game, and he ended up with 3 scalps in the first innings. Harshit made his Test debut in the opening match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy and will play an important role in this series, especially with his ability to hit the deck hard.
Matches in Australia
Wickets
Economy
Average
Best in an Innings
1
4
4.51
50.75
3/48
Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep
Both Prasidh Krishna and Akashdeep are yet to make their debut in Australia. Both played Test cricket in Indian conditions and possess different qualities. While Prasidh Krishna takes advantage of his height and hits the deck hard, Akashdeep is a skiddy customer and likes to angle the ball inside the right-hander. With two bowlers possessing two different attributes, it would be interesting to see when and where these two will get their chance in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has long been the ultimate litmus test for cricketing giants India and Australia. Over the years, this series has produced cricket moments that will live long in the memory of Indian cricket fans, with the rivalry now evolving into a fierce contest of skill, temperament, and resilience. As the two cricket giants fighting in the 2024-25 edition, let’s discuss India’s strategy to tackle the challenges posed by Australian conditions.
1. Understanding Cricket Conditions in Australia
Playing in Australia is a completely different challenge. The pitches are bouncier, faster, and at times offer assistance to spinners as well. One of the biggest challenge playing in Australia is to deal with the Kookaburra ball. It’s no secret that Kookaburra ball is completely different from the SG balls used in India. The Kookaburra balls are known for their low seam and quick loss of swing, and that’s where bowlers’ ability come to the fore. In addition, Australia’s world-class batting unit and formidable pace attack, led by Mitchell Starc, make them a tough side to beat at home.
India’s success in the ongoing 2024-25 the Border-Gavaskar Trophy depends on how the team adapt to the conditions. Every ground is different. The conditions in Perth are different from what Indian team will be facing in Adelaide, Melbourne or Brisbane. So it’s all about adapting, and adapting fast.
2. More Responsibility From Top Order Batsmen
In Australia, the key to a strong batting performance lies in facing the new ball which often does most of the trick for the fast bowlers. Since grounds in Australia are large, batsmen can easily tire out the bowlers. India’s top-order, which consists of Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, must shoulder responsibility to see out the the new-ball spell from Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. If India’s top-order batsmen manage to keep wicket column of the likes of Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood empty, then India could find themselves in a great position in this series.
Key Focus Areas for Batsmen
Playing the Short Ball: Australian pitches are known for their bounce and quickness. Aussie pacers, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, are expert at exploiting bounce. Indian batsmen need to mitigate the threat of bounce while also learning when to leave deliveries.
Building Partnerships: Winning a test match requires big totals. India’s middle order, featuring players like Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, must focus on capitalizing on starts and converting them into centuries.
Attacking Nathan Lyon: Australia have only one recognized spinner in their ranks, in the shape of Nathan Lyon. If Indian batsmen can attack him, then this can leave Australia short on bowling options. That also means, there will be more pressure on their pacers.
The big reason for India’s wins in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar series was their world-class bowling attack. In Australian conditions, pace is king, but spin can also play a decisive role if the match goes to fourth and the fifth day.
Fast Bowlers: The Spearhead of the Attack
Though India are without Mohammed Shami, they still have Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj, two of India’s most formidable pacers. Their success will hinge on:
Exploiting Early Swing: Using the new ball effectively is crucial, as the Kookaburra loses swing after the first 10-15 overs.
Hitting the Deck Hard: Consistent line and length aimed at the top of off-stump will test Australian batsmen’s patience.
Reverse Swing: As the ball looses it shine, reverse swing becomes a vital weapon.
4. Spinners: Must be more than a Support Act
Australians conditions definitely favors fast bowlers, but the pitches at grounds such as Brisbane and Sydney also have something for spinners. In Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, India have te best spinning duo in their ranks. Jadeja’s all-round abilities and Ashwin’s experience could prove invaluable in turning games around on wearing tracks.
5. Keeping Jasprit Bumrah Fresh
India is not a one-man team, but their bowling heavily relies on Jasprit Bumrah. The Mumbai Indians star was the biggest reason for India’s win in the first test at Perth. He picked up a fifer in the first innings and another three-wicket haul in the 2nd innings to end the match with a man-of-the-match award.
Having said that, the Indian captain has to ensure that Bumrah isn’t overused. He has a history of injuries, so putting excessive burden on Bumrah, especially when Mohammad Shami is missing, could be counterproductive.
The Border-Gavaskar series is a marathon. It’s a five-match test series, so it’s likely that there will be rotation due to factors such as fatigue and injuries. The 2021 series is a perfect example of bench strength. India were plagued by injuries and the absence of key players such as Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah and yet India recorded a series win. It was down to players such as Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, T Natarajan and Shardul Thakur who stepped up to the occasion.
For India to emulate success from last tour, every player has to perform at the optimum level to help the team negotiate Australia’s threat. Players such as Akash Deep and Sarfraz Khan, to name a few, must be ready to play if the situation demands.
7. Better Use of Technology (DRS)
Modern cricket relies heavily on technology. It’s not just down to data analytics of opponents and making looking to find weakness in opposing batsmen through videos, or using any other form of technology, but the success also depends on the use of DRS.
It’s no secret that India’s record at taking DRS is poor ever since MS Dhoni retired. Bowlers normally ride on their emotions when an umpire deem a decision against them, and they try to convince the captain, in India’s case, Rohit Sharma. But Indian captain must keep the emotions out and should take the DRS decision based on merit.
Conclusion
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains one of the most exciting test series in world cricket. The ongoing 2024-2025 edition is heading towards a blockbuster series. India won the first test match but in a series as long as this, a 1-0 lead is very dangerous. It can change quickly. For India to remain in a commanding position, every player and the team management as well have to bring their A-game to the very last phase of the game.
The Border-Gavaskar series is full of moments when players turned into superheroes, winning games for their team from an improbable situation. Be it the 2001 Kolkata Test or the famous win at Brisbane in 2021, these are the games that are etched in the memories of Indian fans. It’s hard to pick a few performances considering the rich cricket history between India and Australia. But here are the top-10 performances by Indian cricketers in the India vs Australia matches.
When there’s a conversation between commentators or fellow cricket fans about the best ever batting performance, then VVS Laxman’s 281-run innings is discussed with verve and passion. What makes this innings standout is the surreal circumstances it was played. Not only India were trailing 0-1 in the three-match series, but they were staring at a certain in the 2nd test in Kolkata. Australia were holding all the mighty cards, and the match was heading in only one direction – in a record-extending 17th test win for Australia.
But fate had other plans. Enter VVS Laxman, the batsman who had magic in his wrists. He arrived at the crease at a time when India were 52-1, still facing a 222-run deficit. Laxman held the fort at one end as the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly perished. But his historical 378-run partnership with Rahul Dravid changed the game on its head. Laxman made 281 runs as India declared at 657/7, setting Australia a 384-run target. The rest is the history as India won the match by 171 runs.
Whether you are a child or a grown up man, your first experience is memorable. You don’t forget it. Before travelling down under for the five-match test series, India had played a total of 27 matches in Australia and never tasted a win in the country.
This series was heading towards the familiar shores for Team India who lost the first two test matches. Trailing 0-2 and fighting to remain relevant in the series, India, somehow, managed to produce an unthinkable display, of bowling and batting.
India made 256 runs in the first innings and Australia posted 213 in response. Visitors did better with the bat in their 2nd innings, making 343 runs. Chasing 386 runs to win the match, Australia buckled under pressure and were bundled out for just 164 runs in the fourth innings.
The bowler who broke Australia’s backbone was Bhagwath Chandrasekhar. The legendary leg spinner took six wickets in each of the two innings and ended with a combined figure of 12/104. Truly masterclass of a performance.
3. 2001 Kolkata Test- Harbhajan Singh – 13/196
Beating the Australia side of early 2000, led by Steve Waugh, was a herculean task. Any opponent aiming to beat the Aussie side that had legendary figures such as Steve Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, had to be perfect. It was not just VVS Laxman’s historic 281-run innings that helped India snapped Australia’s 16-game winning run, but a certain Harbhajan Singh also played a huge role.
Harbhajan Singh was only 20 at that time and was still trying to carve out a name for himself. Aussies had the knack of destroying bowlers and ended career of some young players. But Harbhajan was a different gravy. He was the chief architect of Australia’s batting collapse, picking up a combined 13 wickets in the match.
4. 2003 Melbourne Test- Virender Sehwag – 195
Although India lost the Boxing day test during their 2003-04 tour of Australia, the test is still remembered by Indian cricket fans because of Virender Sehwag’s brutal batting. The mercurial batter produced a brilliant batting display which is still considered as one of the best ever by a foreign player on Australia’s soil.
Sehwag was facing a prime Brett Lee, but he didn’t bother and hit him all around the park. The likes of Nathan Bracken, Stuart McGill and Brad Williams looked ordinary against the dynamic Indian batter. Sehwag missed out on a deserved double-hundred after getting out on 195 runs off 233 balls. He hit 25 fours and five massive sixes during that innngs.
Who took his wicket? It was part-time bowler Simon Katich. And the ball was the ordinary as it can be, a full toss. Sehwag was trying to clear the fence but failed to connect properly.
Video Courtesy – Cricket Australia Youtube Channel
5. Ravi Shastri – 206 and 4/45 at Sydney, 1991
India toured Australia in 1991-92 for the five-match test series. It was the time when Indian cricket didn’t fancy travelling to countries such as England, Australia or South Africa. The series reflected that nation as India lost 4-0. The only game Indian team managed to draw was the 3rd test at Sydney. It was the match which is remembered for Ravi Shastri’s magnificent all-round display.
Australia were bowled out for 313 runs in the first innings. Then came India’s chance to bat and the visitors posted 483 runs in their first innings. The highlight was Ravi Shastri’s double-century, 206 runs which he scored in 477 balls. The mercurial all-rounder also took four wickets in Australia’s 2nd innings and was given the man-of-the-match award.
6. 1981 Melbourne Test- Gundappa Vishwanath – 114
Gundappa Viswanath was a special batsman who had an impeccable technique, and a remarkable ability to perform under pressure. He was famous for playing square cuts and late flicks. Amongst his many match winnings innings, one was special.
India lost the opening game of the series by an innings and four runs, but managed to draw the next game. India needed to win the third match to save the series and that’s what happened. The hero of the match for Team India was Gundappa Vishwanath who scored a magnificent 114 runs in the first innings. What makes this innings super special was that no other Indian batsman could even touch the 30-run mark. Out of India’s 237-run total in the first innings, 114 were scored by Gundappa Vishwanath. The Karnataka-born batter also scored 30 runs in the 2nd innings and won the man-of-the-match award as India won the match by 59 runs.
7. Rishabh Pant – 89* at Brisbane, 2021
It was the fourth test of India’s 2020-21 tour of Australia. The series was tied at 1-1 going into the final match of the series. India were the clear underdogs, not because they were the away team, but because of many key players such as Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin were all missing due to various reasons.
Australia made 369 runs in the first innings and India almost equaled the tally after making 336 runs in the first innings. The real battle started in the 2nd innings as Australia were bowled out for 294 runs, setting India a target of 327 runs.
Shubman Gill (91) and Cheteshwar Pujara (56) scored vital half centuries but it was Rishabh Pant who held the innings together and took India home after scoring an unbeaten 89 runs. Pant was given the man-of-the-match award as well for his match-winning innings.
8. Ajinkya Rahane – 112 at Melbourne, 2020
Ahead of the 2nd test during India’s 2020-21 tour of Australia, the visitors had everything going against them. Virat Kohli left the tour due to personal reasons, and the team suffered a huge 8-wicket defeat in the first test match. The worst part was that India was bundled out for just 36 runs in one of the innings.
The responsibility fell on the shoulders of Ajinkya Rahane, and the Maharashtra batter passed the test with flying colors. His decision making as a captain was right on the money, but he impressed the most as a batter. As a captain, the hardest job is to perform under pressure and Rahane smashed a superb hundred in the first innings. He led the foundation for India’s 8-wicket win and the momentum also shifted towards the visitors who went on to win the series as well.
9. Rahul Dravid – 233 & 72 at Adelaide, 2003
Sourav Ganguly changed the whole perception around Team India. The magnificent win at the Lord’s and the appearances in the final of the 2003 ODI World Cup and the 2001 ICC Champions Trophy filled the team with the confidence that they are no longer poor travellers. That, they can win win any country and under any circumstances.
The first test in India’s 2003-04 tour of Australia ended in a draw as both teams piled up runs. In the next match at Adelaide, Team India defied odds and scripted a magnificent victory.
But Australia were in a strong position after posting 556 runs in the first innings. India needed a big score in their first innings and that’s what they got thanks to Rahul Dravid’s magnificent double-hundred. The Wall scored 233 runs and VVS Laxman also contributed with a sublime 148-run innings.
Dravid scored another 72 runs in the 2nd innings as India chased down 233 runs to win the Adelaide test.
10. Jasprit Bumrah, Perth Test 2024 – 5/30 & 3/42
India headed to Australia for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series in the worst possible mindset. They lost 0-3 at home against New Zealand which put their position at the ICC Test Championship table in grave danger. Expectations were low heading to the Perth test, and when India managed only 150 runs in the first innings, it all seemed true.
But India are blessed to have Jasprit Bumrah, the generational player. The Mumbai Indians star made India’s 150-run total look like a big score as Australia were bundled out for just 104 runs, giving India an important 46-run lead. At the heart of India’s unlikely win was Jasprit Bumrah who took a fifer in the first innings and a three-wicket haul in the 2nd innings.
Worth Mentioning
There are many other moments when certain players played out of their skins and won games for India in the Border-Gavaskar series. Shubman Gill’s 91 runs in the Brisbane test deserves more recognition, as does Sachin Tendulkar’s 241-run innings in the 4th test of India’s 2003-04 tour of Australia. As highlighted above, it’s hard to prefer a certain match over other when the rivalry between India and Australia is full of memorable moments.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of cricket’s most fiercely contested test series. The 2024-25 edition has kept fans on the edge with great talents showcasing their skills and prowess. Let’s look at the most exciting young talents who are lighting up the BGT this time.
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
In the short career span, Yashasvi Jaiswal has made a name for himself on the International cricket circuit. Before the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the 22-year-old opening batsman has amassed 1,407 runs in 14 Tests at a staggering batting average of 56.28. These stats speak volumes about the mental aspect of Jaiswal’s batting. On his first tour Down Under, Jaiswal enters Australia under immense expectations but that’s what the greats do. They thrive under challenging circumstances and etch their names in history.
Nitish Reddy is a fast bowling all-rounder the Indian Cricket Team was always on the lookout for. His batting style has already put him in the spotlight. Now the ICT fans hope he does as well as the ball in hand to give India an edge and could well become a defining player in the BGT 2024-25 series.
Akash Deep has grabbed whatever limited opportunities he has received with both hands. With Mohd Siraj not at his wicket-taking best and Mohammed Shami missing out due to injury, Akash Deep is seen as the fast bowling partner who can ably support Indian bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. His debut series against England at home earlier this year where he claimed wickets on spin-friendly wickets was impressive. Cricket fans hope that Akash adapts to pace-friendly pitches and helps the Indian bowling unit.
Harshit Rana is another fast bowler Indian fans have high hopes from. Harshit Rana is a fiery and exciting fast-bowling prospect who was fast-tracked into the Indian cricket red-ball setup after just ten first-class matches, where he scalped 43 wickets at an average of 24.00. His growth and performance in Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2024 victory gave fans a glimpse of what he can offer. Let’s hope Harshit turns out to be a game-changer on Australia’s pacy and bouncy pitches.
Nathan McSweeney is Australia’s designated opening batsman for BGT 2024-25. With big shoes to fill of legendary opener David Warner, the 25-year-old would be under tremendous pressure to deliver in the high-octane India vs Australia Test series. Prior to the test series, he put on some gritty performances for Australia A against India A, including an unbeaten 88 in a clutch fourth-innings chase.
Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images
Nathan McSweeney Stats
(Stats as of 5 December 2024)
Format
Matches
Runs
Highest Score
Bat Average
SR
100
50
Tests
1
10
10
5.00
58.82
0
0
First Class (FC)
35
2,262
127*
37.08
41.98
6
12
List A
22
845
137
42.25
81.95
1
8
T20s
18
428
84
26.75
112.92
0
2
There is a lot of buzz around the new names who are playing the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first. Which youngster do you think will make his mark?
Named after two legends, India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Australia’s Allan Border, the Border-Gavaskar series is the test-series played between India and Australia. Some of the matches played in this series have become part of the cricket folklore, producing moments that feel like they are out of big Hollywood movie. Indeed, the tales of head-to-head battle between Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne feels like the zenith of rivalry, but player such as Hanuma Vihari and Pragyan Ojha also played their part in some historical moments in this series.
History of Border-Gavaskar Series
Though India and Australia played the first test match over a century ago, it was only in 1996-97 when the test series between these two nations was named after the two greats of cricket.
The first-ever test match in the Border-Gavaskar series was played from October 10-14 at the Feroz Shah Kotla Ground in Delhi. Most notably, it was Sachin Tendulkar’s first series as captain and he was off to a flying start as captain as India won the match by seven wickets.
Brief scorecard
Australia 1st Innings: 182 (73 Overs) – Anil Kumble 4/63
India 1st Innings: 361 (131.4 overs) – Nayan Mongia 152
Australia 2nd innings: 234 (108.3 overs) – Anil Kumble 5/67
India 2nd Innings: 58/3 (13.2 overs)
Result: India won by 7 wickets.
Since the first Border-Gavaskar Series, both nations have played a total of 16 test series – nine in India and seven in Australia, excluding the ongoing five-test match series which India are leading 1-0. Here’s the list of Border-Gavaskar series and winners list:
Season
Host
Tests
India
Australia
Draw
Winner
1996-97
India
1
1
0
0
India
1997-98
India
3
2
1
0
India
1999-2000
Australia
3
0
3
0
Australia
2000-01
India
3
2
1
0
India
2003-04
Australia
4
1
1
2
Drawn
2004-05
India
4
1
2
1
Australia
2007-08
Australia
4
1
2
1
Australia
2008-09
India
4
2
0
2
India
2010-11
India
2
2
0
0
India
2011-12
Australia
4
0
4
0
Australia
2012-13
India
4
4
0
0
India
2014-15
Australia
4
0
2
2
Australia
2016-17
India
4
2
1
1
India
2018-19
Australia
4
2
1
1
India
2020-21
Australia
4
2
1
1
India
2022-23
India
4
2
1
1
India
There’s never a dull moment, and the temperature soars high when these two cricket giants line up to face each other. It’s hard to pick one game over the other when the history is full of heart-wrenching and incredible moments in the India vs Australia matches. But we have listed down games that are part of cricket annals. Now let’s take a look at the Best Border-Gavaskar Matches of All Time.
Arguably the greatest Test match ever played, the Kolkata Test of 2001 redefined Indian cricket forever. India lost the first test match in a one-sided affair and were forced to follow on with a 274-run deficit in the 2nd test match in Kolkata. The great Sachin Tendulkar departed for only 10, leaving India reeling at 115/3. Captain Sourav Ganguly added 117 runs with VVS Laxman for the 5th wicket, but the latter departed after making 48 runs. At that stage, India were still behind by 52 runs. The fact that India also needed to score runs to put up a decent total for Australia, India’s chances looked bleak.
But enter VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid. The duo fought not only against the likes of legendary bowlers such as Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, but also against insurmountable odds. The duo added 376-run partnership which turned the game on its head.
Laxman scored an unforgettable 281, while Dravid added 180. India declared at 657/7, setting Australia a daunting 384 to win. Harbhajan Singh’s magical off-spin destroyed Australia, and India pulled off an incredible 171-run victory.
2. Perth, 2008
The 2008 Perth Test was more than just a cricket match; it was India’s pride. This match came after the infamous “Monkeygate” incident that marred the Sydney game. India arrived in Perth with a point to prove.
Australia added Shaun Tait, who could bowl at 160 KMPH, to their squad for the Perth test. But the Indian team showed grit and determination.
On a pitch renowned for its pace and bounce, India posted 330 runs in the first innings, thanks to big scores from Rahul Dravid (93) and Sachin Tendulkar (71). India’s bowling unit, consisted of young bowlers such as RP Singh, Irfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma, ripped through Australia’s batting line-up, bowling the hosts out for just 212 runs.
India scored 294 runs in the 2nd innings and set Australia a challenging 413 to win. Despite Michael Clarke’s fighting innings, India recoded a historic 72-run victory. India also broke Australia’s 16-match winning streak for the second time.
3. Brisbane, 2021
The Gabba had been Australia’s fortress for 32 years until the Indian team, ravaged by injuries, recorded an unlikely win. This was the fourth match of the 2020-21 series and a series decided after Australia and India’s win in the first and second test. Third test match, on the other hand, ended in a draw.
Australia batted first and posted 369 runs in the first innings, thanks to a brilliant century from Manus Labuschagne. India were reeling at 186-6 but a 123-run stand between Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur helped India reach 336 runs in their first innings.
A five-wicket haul from Mohammed Shami and a four-wicket spell from Shardul Thakur rattled the Australian batting unit in the 2nd innings. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 294 runs, giving India a target of 327 runs to win.
India, led by Shubman Gill’s fearless 91 and Rishabh Pant’s scintillating unbeaten 89, achieved the unthinkable as the visitors won the game by three wickets. This victory not only helped India win the series 2-1 but also added a new chapter to India’s cricket history.
4. Chennai, 2001
After a historic win in the Kolkata test, India headed to Chennai for the final test looking to hand Australia a rare series defeat in tests.
However, the Australians, like always, showed grit and showed resilience as they posted 391 runs in the first innings, with Matthew Hayden scoring 203 runs.
But India had all the momentum from the Kolkata Test and it showed in their batting approach as five of the top-six Indian batsmen scored at least a fifty, led by Sachin Tendulkar who scored 126 runs.
In the 2nd Innings, Australia were bowled out for just 264 runs, setting India a 155-run target on a challenging pitch. India’s top-order collapsed as three of the top-six batsmen failed to touch the double-digit mark. But India somehow managed to cross the line and won the game by two wickets.
5. Melbourne, 2020
Heading into the 2nd test of their 2020-21 Border Gavaskar series down under, there weren’t many expectations from Indian team. After all, Kohli’s team was bowled out for only 36 runs in the 2nd innings of the first test match in Adelaide. Indeed, expectations were low, but just like the 2001 Kolkata Test, India defied the odds once again.
India bowled Australia out for 195 runs in the first innings and posted 326 themselves to take a lead of 131 runs going into the 2nd innings. India’s bowlers didn’t let the Aussies breathe again as hosts were bundled out for only 200 runs in the third innings. It was only formalities then as India chased down 70 runs without any difficulty, winning the game by 8 wickets.
This test will always be remembered for Ajinkya Rahane’s magnificent 112-run innings and his superb captaincy that changed India’s fortune in this series.
6. Adelaide, 2003
India cricket team was never a good traveler. Their record in overseas test series was poor to say the least. But in 2023, that tag of being poor travelers changed for good. It was the 2nd test match of the 2003-04 test series in Australia. After conceding 556 in first innings, courtesy of Ricky Ponting’s 242, India responded with a magnificent batting display of their own, posting 523 runs, thanks to superb centuries from Rahul Dravid (233) and VVS Laxman (148).
In the 3rd innings, Ajit Agarkar produced a fiery display of bowling, picking up six wickets as Australia were bundled out for just 196 runs. Dravid top-scored for India once again with 72 runs and India recorded a memorable four-wicket victory.
7. Mohali, 2010
The first Test of the 2010 series in Mohali had everything one can imagine. Big 1st innings totals, batting failure and a close escape. But the match ended in India’s win, in a one-wicket win only. Unlike white-ball cricket, if a test match comes down to a one-wicket, then you can be sure of a script like a Hollywood movie.
Australia made 428 runs in the first innings and India responded with 405 runs. But a batting collapse in the 3rd innings, with Aussies getting bowled out for just 192 runs, gave India a chance to win the match.
It was, however, anything but a straightforward chase. While chasing 216 runs to win, India found themselves reeling at 124/8. Victory seemed out of reach.
However, VVS Laxman, battling back spasms, and Ishant Sharma strung together a 81-run partnership for the 9th wicket. When Sharma departed, India still needed 11 more runs to win. Pragyan Ojha managed to survive and helped India clocked a one-wicket win.
8. Pune, 2017
Indian team struggling against the spin at home is a rare sight. But in 2017, Australia’s Steve O’Keefe made Indian batsmen look like amateur players. It was the first test of the four-match series. Australia batted first and could manage only 260 runs in the first innings. Indeed, India were in a commanding position but it didn’t take long for the Aussies to take command. India were bundled out for just 105 runs in the first innings, with 8 batsmen failing to reach double-digit.
India’s fortune didn’t change in the 2nd innings as Virat Kohli and Co were bowled out for only 107 runs in the 2nd innings. At the centre of India’s massive failure was Steve O’Keefe who took six wickets in each of the two innings. The defeat also ended India’s 19-match unbeaten streak in Tests.
Conclusion
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is not just another test series, but also an emotion and resilience that define Test cricket.
From Harbhajan’s hat-trick and Dravid-Laxman’s epic partnerships, to the incredible series win down under, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy continues to produce moments that remain etched in the hearts of cricket fans worldwide.
If you think we have left out a match that should be part of the conversation, then do let us know in the comments.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia is one of the biggest challenges for the Indian Cricket Team. The Australian Cricket Team boasts an exceptional and proven bowling attack. The likes of Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood have been around for years now and their potency on Australian soil is at its peak. Let’s take a look at the most feared Australian bowlers and their extraordinary stats against India, at home and in their careers.
Most Test Wickets for Australian Bowlers against India (in Australia)
Since 1996 – the start of BGT trophy, Stats as of 5 December
Nathan Lyon is the highest wicket-taker for Australia in Tests against India at home, with 62 wickets in 17 matches thus far. The pace trio of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins also feature in the top 10 bowlers with most wickets against India at home. The quartet can pose challenges for Team India in the 2025 edition of BGT and India batters must be wary of them.
Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
Most Test Wickets for Australia at Home since 2000
Virat Kohli is one of the most prolific batsmen in cricket history. He is referred to as a run machine for his knack of scoring runs day in and out, and shattering run-scoring records all day. Since his International debut, consistency across all formats has been one of the hallmarks of Virat Kohli’s batting. Over the years, there have been many memorable Virat Kohli innings in Australia that have entertained cricket fans. Without any further ado, let’s look at Virat Kohli’s Stats in Australia across all formats.
Virat Kohli Test Stats in Australia
Matches
Runs
Highest Score
Batting Average
100s
Overall
119
9145
254*
48.13
30
In Australia
14
1457
169
56.03
7
Virat Kohli’s Test Match-by-Match List in Australia
We are in the midst of the fiercely contested Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-24. Over the years, BGT has redefined the meaning of “TEST Cricket”. India’s Down Under tours have been full of challenges and moments of glory.
Here’s looking at the moments of sheer brilliance and celebrating the most memorable performances by Indian cricketers in Australia.
Cheteshwar Pujara (2018-19)
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Player of the Series (POTS) performance in 2018-19 is one of the most celebrated performances by an Indian batter in Australia. Match after match, Pujara stood as a wall for India to blunt the Australian bowling attack. He scored 521 runs at an impressive 74.42 batting average, studded with three centuries.
Anil Kumble – 8/141 (2004)
Anil Kumble produced a magical bowling spell in Sydney (2004) to claim 8 wickets for 141 runs. In the contest for the ages where a win was out of reach, Jumbo pushed Aussie back to secure a hard-fought draw for India.
Fast bowling wizard Jasprit Bumrah produced a dream spell in 2018 during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The young and raw Bumrah was too much for the Aussies to handle and set up a historic test series triumph down under.
Rishabh Pant – 89 in Brisbane (2021)
The most recent performance in this list is Rishabh Pant’s 89 in Brisbane which is fresh in cricket fans’ memories. Rishabh Pant broke the Australian spirit, chasing down a 300+ total in the fourth inning at the Aussie fortress and etched his name as the greatest Indian wicket-keeper batsman in test cricket.
The legendary Sachin Tendulkar displayed incredible discipline for a long period of time. Before this marathon knock of 241 in Sydney (2004), Tendulkar was having trouble playing off-side deliveries and getting out in a similar fashion. The master blaster refrained from playing off drives throughout and anchored India’s response to Australia’s total to help secure a draw. It is the highest Test score by an Indian batsman in Australia.
Rahul Dravid – 233 in Adelaide (2003)
Rahul Dravid is regarded as one of India’s best batsmen in test format. His knock of 233 in Adelaide helped set up a rare India win on Australian shores and is regarded as one of the best-ever performances in Australia.
Virat Kohli – 115 & 141 in Adelaide (2014)
Virat Kohli, the run machine, was at his very best in Adelaide 2014 test against Australia. King Kohli slammed twin centuries, shrugging pressure off one on his captaincy debut, and almost guided India to win.
Ajit Agarkar – 6/41 (2003)
Ajit Agarkar produced one of the best bowling spells by an Indian fast bowler in Australia. The match-winning 6-wicket haul in Adelaide stunned Aussies and the match ended in a memorable win for India.
India vs Australia Test series was renamed to Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in 1996 after legendary cricketers – Sunil Gavaskar and Alan Border. The test series is now the most watched and most fiercely contested cricketing event.
Thus far, BGT has seen 16 thrilling editions. India has come out as the winning side on ten occasions, while Australia have secured five editions.
Let’s unfold the rivalry and look at all its records, stats, and numbers.
The biggest of all rivalries in cricket is between India and Australia in Test cricket. Over the years, we have witnessed some unforgettable matches. More so, the competition has been fierce in the 21st Century. Since we are amid a Border-Gavaskar Trophy that has lived up to the hype every single time, let’s take a look at the top 5 India vs Australia test matches in the 21st century.
1. Kolkata Test, 2001
The 2001 Kolkata Test is often called the greatest test match in cricket history. Some cricket pundits also refer to it as ‘The Miracle at Eden Gardens’
India were battered and bruised and up against the strongest Australian side ever. After the loss in the first match of the 2001 IND vs AUS test series, India were reeling and staring at a humiliating defeat after being asked to follow on.
India found two heroes in VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) who forged a legendary 376-run partnership to turn the game on its head.
India needed another miracle with the ball. Cometh the hour cometh the man – Harbhajan Singh! Harbhajan Singh took a historic hat-trick to crush Aussie to seal a sensational 171-run victory. What a great comeback it was!
Photo credit ARKO DATTA/AFP via Getty Images
2. Gabba Test, 2021
This is the most recent and one of India’s greatest overseas wins in test cricket. Gabba Stadium in Birsbane has been an impregnable fortress for the Australian Cricket Team for a long time, and before this test, they had not lost here for 32 years.
In the fourth innings, India were facing an uphill task of chasing down a mammoth 328. Rishabh Pant (89 not out) and Cheteshwar Pujara led the charge for India. After a long resistance and hard-fought day 5, India managed to do the unthinkable and breach the Gabba fortress.
The Mohali test in 2010 is remembered by cricket fans for a nervy, nail-biting finish. It was one of the rare tests where the tailenders and lower-order batting helped India win the match.
In the fourth Innings, India were reeling at 124/8 in pursuit of a 216-run target. VVS Laxman, renowned as Very Very Special Laxman for a reason among the Australian cricket fraternity, stood between Aussies and their rare chance of victory on Indian soil.
VVS battled with injury and guided the likes of Ishant Sharma (31 off 92 balls) and Pragyan Ojha, farming strike and eventually winning the match for Team India.
Photo credit DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images
4. Perth Test, 2008
Perth Test 2008 is another fairytale win for the Indian cricket team. Against all odds and at WACA, Perth—a venue where Aussie had not lost in over a decade – India scripted history with a spirited performance.
At the start of the test match, India were 0-2 down in the series. Also, there was the outbreak of the infamous Monkeygate scandal before the match that made Indian cricketers villains by the Australian media.
The match-winning contributions from Irfan Pathan and a swing-bowling masterclass by RP Singh helped India to a memorable victory.
India faced a humiliating defeat at the hands of Australia and were bowled out for their lowest team total in Test cricket of 36. The turnaround after is what makes the Adelaide Test the most cherishing.
With Virat Kohli not available for the match and injury-hit squad, India had to make several changes. It looked like that another embarrassing defeat was a certainty.
India coach Ravi Shastri gathered the team and said: ‘Wear this 36 like a badge on your sleeves and you will be a great team’. And, the rest is history!
Ajinkya Rahane led India to a famous win with exceptional performances from debutants like Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj.
What a dream test series it was for the Indian cricket team fans!
