Top 10 Historic Test Matches Between Australia and India

10 Memorable Test Matches: India vs Australia Rivalry

The rivalry between India vs Australia in Test cricket is legendary, marked by intense battles, extraordinary performances, and high-stakes drama. This fierce competition between two of the world’s most dominant cricketing nations has produced numerous unforgettable matches. Here, we take a look at 10 of the most memorable Test encounters between India vs Australia, showcasing the evolving nature of this incredible rivalry.

1. Kolkata, 2001 – The Eden Gardens Miracle

Arguably the most iconic match in the history of the India vs Australia rivalry, the 2001 Kolkata Test is remembered as one of cricket’s greatest comebacks. Australia, having won the first Test in Mumbai, was in the driver’s seat after India was forced to follow on. However, in an unforgettable display of grit and determination, India’s VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) batted for nearly an entire day, turning the match on its head. The partnership between Laxman and Dravid—an astonishing 376 runs—helped India post a huge total and put india vs Australia on the back foot.

India’s victory was sealed by Harbhajan Singh’s stunning 7-wicket haul in the second innings, which included a hat-trick, propelling India to a 171-run victory. This win ended Australia’s 16-match unbeaten streak and marked a historic moment in the rivalry.

2. Adelaide, 2003 – Dravid and Laxman’s Masterclass

In the 2003-04 series, India produced another memorable victory in Adelaide, one of Australia’s toughest home grounds. Australia posted a competitive total of 556/9, with Ricky Ponting’s masterful 242. However, India responded with resilience, led by Rahul Dravid’s magnificent 233. Laxman’s 72 not out helped India chase down a challenging target of 230 on the final day, securing a four-wicket win.

This match is a testament to the temperament and class of India’s middle order. Ajit Agarkar’s 6/41 in Australia’s second innings also played a key role in the victory, making it one of the finest all-around performances in recent memory.

3. Perth, 2008 – India’s Triumph at the WACA

The 2008 Perth Test was another key moment in the India vs Australia rivalry, as India claimed a memorable 72-run victory at the WACA, a ground historically known for favoring fast bowlers. With the series level at 1-1, this match was seen as a test of India’s resolve. Irfan Pathan’s all-round performance—taking key wickets and contributing with the bat—was pivotal in India’s victory.

Despite a tough battle against the Australian pace attack, India held their ground. This victory was particularly sweet after the controversy surrounding the 2008 Sydney Test, where India had faced several on-field disputes. India’s win at Perth cemented their growing reputation as a team capable of winning in challenging overseas conditions.

4. Brisbane, 2021 – The Gabba Breach

In January 2021, India produced one of the most remarkable victories in Test cricket history at the Gabba in Brisbane. Australia had not lost a Test at the Gabba in over 30 years, but India, under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, defied expectations. After a historic defeat in Adelaide, India’s young players stepped up. Shubman Gill’s 91, Rishabh Pant’s match-winning 89*, and Washington Sundar’s composed 22 helped India chase down 328 in a dramatic final session.

India’s 3-wicket win not only sealed the series 2-1 but also broke Australia’s fortress at the Gabba, marking a historic achievement for Indian cricket. This victory was a testament to the depth and resilience of India’s squad, with players like Pant emerging as heroes under immense pressure.

5. Chennai, 1986 – The Tied Test

In a thrilling encounter, the 1986 Test between India vs Australia in Chennai ended in a dramatic tie—one of only two tied Test matches in the history of the sport. Australia set India a daunting target of 348, and with intense batting performances from Sunil Gavaskar and Mohinder Amarnath, India came very close to achieving it. However, in the end, both teams were left stranded with identical scores, making the game one of the most exciting and closely contested Test matches ever played.

6. Sydney, 2008 – The Controversial Test

The 2008 Sydney Test was marred by controversy, most notably the “Monkeygate” incident involving Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds. Despite these off-field tensions, the match was a thrilling contest. Australia won by 122 runs, with centuries from Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke and excellent bowling from Mitchell Johnson, who took 8 wickets in the match.

However, the off-field drama overshadowed the result, and the match became infamous for the contentious decisions, making it one of the most controversial Tests in history. The series itself was defined by these tensions, which added an extra layer to the rivalry.

7. Melbourne, 2020 – India’s Historic Victory

After being bowled out for just 36 in Adelaide in the first Test, India vs Australia bounced back in remarkable fashion to win the 2020 Melbourne Test by 8 wickets. Under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership, the Indian team produced a comprehensive performance. Rahane’s 112 in the first innings set the tone, and with contributions from Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, India successfully chased down a target of 70 in the fourth innings.

This win was crucial in leveling the series and was part of India’s historic 2-1 series victory. It also demonstrated the immense character of India’s team, particularly after the early setbacks in the series.

8. Sydney, 2021 – India’s Defiant Draw

The 2021 Sydney Test saw one of the most memorable displays of defiance in cricket history. With Australia needing just 13 wickets to win, India’s lower order, led by Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin, batted for more than 40 overs to save the match. Despite both players being injured, they held firm, ensuring that the match ended in a draw.

This courageous performance helped India retain their lead in the series, which they eventually won in Brisbane. It was a remarkable illustration of resilience and fighting spirit.

9. Johannesburg, 2006 – India’s First Win in South Africa

Although not directly against Australia, India’s victory in Johannesburg in 2006 was significant in setting the tone for future triumphs. India’s win in South Africa signaled their ability to compete on foreign soil, which would become crucial in their later victories in Australia. Anil Kumble’s brilliant performance with the ball and Sourav Ganguly’s leadership were key factors in India’s win.

This victory was part of India’s evolving overseas dominance and helped shape their confidence in future battles with Australia.

10. Melbourne, 1981 – Australia’s Narrow Victory

One of the most dramatic finishes in the rivalry came in 1981, when Australia narrowly defeated India by 4 runs in Melbourne. India’s remarkable fightback, led by Sunil Gavaskar and Mohinder Amarnath, almost resulted in a famous win. However, Australia managed to hold their nerve in the final stages, claiming victory in one of the most intense Test matches ever.

Conclusion

The India vs Australia Test cricket rivalry is defined by unforgettable moments, incredible individual performances, and dramatic twists that have kept fans on the edge of their seats for decades. From Kolkata 2001 to Brisbane 2021, these 10 Test matches are just a glimpse into the rich history between these two cricketing giants. With each match, the rivalry continues to evolve, providing new heroes, unforgettable moments, and a legacy that will live on for generations.