India and Australia first faced off in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in 1996 in Delhi, marking the beginning of a fierce and regular rivalry. Since then, India has largely dominated the BGT contest.
Over the years, both teams have experienced their share of highs and lows, but their resilience and ability to overcome challenges have solidified their status as cricketing powerhouses. The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final added another exciting chapter to this rivalry, with Australia narrowly defeating India to claim the title. While Australia holds the edge in the all-time head-to-head record in Test cricket, India leads in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The contests between these two cricketing giants have produced unforgettable matches that have etched their names in history.
5. Mumbai, 2004
The 2004 Mumbai Test was a gripping low-scoring encounter that highlighted India’s brilliance on a spin-friendly pitch. Defending a modest target of 107, India’s spinners, Harbhajan Singh and Murali Karthik, tore through the Australian lineup, dismissing them for just 93 runs. Karthik was named Player of the Match for his remarkable seven-wicket haul. This was India’s sole victory in the 2004 series, which they ultimately lost 2-1.
4. Mohali, 2010
The 2010 Mohali Test stands as one of the most thrilling encounters in Border-Gavaskar Trophy history. Chasing a modest target of 216 runs, India’s innings was in shambles at 124/8, with defeat looming large. However, VVS Laxman, known for his calm under pressure, stepped up once again. Partnering with Ishant Sharma, he forged an invaluable 81-run ninth-wicket stand, breathing life into India’s chances.
Despite battling injury, Laxman expertly farmed the strike, shielding the tail-ender from the Australian bowlers. Ishant provided solid resistance before falling at a critical moment, leaving India just 11 runs away from victory. This brought Pragyan Ojha, the last batter, to the crease. The tension in the stadium was palpable as Australia’s bowlers relentlessly attacked, hoping to seal the win.
Laxman, showing immense composure, continued to counter the bowlers with precision and guided Ojha through the nerve-wracking final moments. With every run, the crowd’s anticipation grew. Eventually, Laxman struck the winning runs, remaining unbeaten on a magnificent 73. His innings not only showcased his technical brilliance but also his mental fortitude in high-pressure situations.
India’s dramatic one-wicket win at Mohali epitomized the spirit of Test cricket and highlighted Laxman’s unmatched ability to deliver in crunch moments. It was a testament to India’s resilience and remains a cherished memory in the storied rivalry between the two teams.
Table of Contents
3. Adelaide, 2014
The 2014 Adelaide Test marked one of India’s most heartbreaking losses on foreign soil. Chasing a daunting target of 364 in the fourth innings, India looked on course for a historic win, reaching 242/2 at one point. Virat Kohli was the star of the chase, scoring twin centuries (115 & 141). However, after Murali Vijay’s near-century (99) and a dramatic collapse, India were dismissed for 315, falling short by just 49 runs. Nathan Lyon was named Player of the Match for his outstanding seven-wicket haul in the second innings.
2. Kolkata, 2001
The 2001 Kolkata Test is etched in Indian cricket history for an extraordinary turnaround. After trailing 0-1 in the series, India were asked to follow on after being bowled out for just 171 in the first innings. What followed was one of the most remarkable comebacks in Test cricket, with VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) forging a record-breaking 376-run partnership. On the final day, Harbhajan Singh’s brilliant spell sealed a 171-run victory, dismissing Australia for 212 and levelling the series 1-1.
1. Brisbane, 2021
India’s historic win at the Gabba in Brisbane in 2021 remains one of the greatest victories in Indian Test cricket. Australia, undefeated at the venue for 32 years, seemed invincible. Yet, India, battered by injuries and missing key players like Ashwin, Jadeja, Shami, Bumrah, and Kohli, defied all odds. On the final day, India chased down a target of 328, with Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89 leading the team to an unforgettable victory, securing a historic series win and ending Australia’s unbeaten streak at the Gabba.