NEW DELHI: The Indian team is in Australia for the blockbuster Border-Gavaskar Trophy that starts from November 22 in Perth.
Over the years, the rivalry has given fans unforgettable games and fierce battles.
The series has featured some incredible wins for India that remain etched in memory.
As we count down to the beginning of the latest edition of this iconic rivalry, here’s a look at some of the most thrilling, exciting and memorable clashes between the two sides in India and DownUnder.
Kolkata, 2001
The Eden Gardens Test in 2001 in Kolkata was a landmark moment in Indian cricketing history.
India, trailing 0-1 in the series, faced difficulties early in the match.
The team was dismissed for 171 runs in their first innings, allowing Australia to secure a substantial lead.
Following on, India staged a remarkable recovery, spearheaded by a memorable partnership between VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid.
Their 376-run stand, with Laxman scoring 281 and Dravid contributing 180, turned the match in India’s favor.
Harbhajan Singh’s exceptional bowling performance then restricted Australia to 212 runs in their second innings.
India secured a memorable 171-run victory, marking a turning point in the series.
The historic win set the stage for a series triumph, which India clinched with another victory in the Chennai Test.
Brisbane, 2021
The 2021 Gabba Test stands out as one of India’s most iconic victories Down Under.
Australia’s ‘fortress’ at the Gabba, where they remained unbeaten for 32 years, was finally breached by an inspired Indian team.
On the final day, India chased down a challenging target of 328, with Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89 sealing a historic win.
The incredible performance not only secured a memorable victory but also clinched the series, ending Australia’s decades-long dominance at the Gabba in spectacular fashion.
Mohali, 2010
In Mohali in 2010, India found themselves in a tough spot at 124 for 8 while chasing a target of 216.
However, Ishant Sharma showed grit, forging a crucial partnership with VVS Laxman before being dismissed with India still 11 runs away.
Despite an injury, Laxman held firm at the crease while tail-ender Pragyan Ojha managed to edge India to a thrilling one-wicket victory.
Laxman’s resilience and India’s determination in the tense final moments made the game one of the most nail-biting matches ever in Border-Gavaskar Trophy history.
Adelaide, 2003
India’s 2003 Test win in Adelaide is considered a major accomplishment as the visitors overcame a strong Australian team to secure victory.
Australia dominated the first innings, scoring 556 runs. Ricky Ponting led the Australian team, scoring 242 runs.
India struggled initially, falling to 85 runs for 4 wickets. Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman then created a 303-run partnership to bring India back into the match.
Dravid scored 233 runs and Laxman scored 148 runs. Their batting helped India come close to Australia’s first innings score.
Ajit Agarkar then picked up 6 wickets for 41 runs, limiting Australia to just 196.
Dravid again led India’s batting in their second innings, scoring an unbeaten 72 to guide India to a four-wicket victory.
Perth, 2008
The 2008 Test victory in Perth was also a significant achievement for India Down Under. The win was especially important after India lost the first two matches of the series.
Perth’s WACA pitch was known for its bouncy nature, making it a challenging venue for visiting teams.
Australia had not lost a Test match at the WACA ground in over ten years.
Despite the challenging conditions, India secured a victory against Australia in four days.
The victory in Perth held special significance for the Indian team, coming after the controversial Sydney Test.