OTD | Australia’s run of 16 consecutive Test victories started with a ten-wicket win over Zimbabwe in 1999

On this day, Australia kicked off a 16 Test victories streak. Australia embarked on what would become a legendary run of their dominance in Test cricket. The Aussies’ incredible 16-match winning streak, which etched its name in the annals of cricketing history, began with a ten-wicket thrashing of Zimbabwe in Harare.

The first match of Australia’s tour saw them facing a determined Zimbabwe side, but the hosts couldn’t withstand the onslaught brought by the fierce Australian bowling attack. Zimbabwe collapsed in their second innings, losing eight wickets for just 32 runs, handing Australia a straightforward victory. Glenn McGrath, Colin Miller, and Shane Warne were the stars with the ball, taking three wickets each, leaving the Australian batsmen needing a mere five runs to seal the match.

This match set the tone for what would be an unstoppable period for Steve Waugh’s team. Australia’s bowlers, particularly McGrath and Warne, were relentless, consistently delivering match-winning performances. McGrath, in particular, was instrumental throughout this series and others to follow, displaying his world-class ability to dismantle opposition lineups. Waugh’s leadership combined with individual brilliance saw Australia dominate Test cricket for the next 16 matches.

India broke the Australia record in Kolkata! 

The streak wasn’t just about wins—it was a display of adaptability and resilience. One of the most memorable moments came when Adam Gilchrist and Justin Langer pulled off a miraculous victory in Hobart against Pakistan, chasing down a daunting target of 369. Gilchrist’s unbeaten 149 was one of the defining knocks of the era.

Over the next two years, Australia continued their winning ways against top-tier opponents like India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and the West Indies. During this period, they delivered several crushing victories, including an innings win over the West Indies in Brisbane to equal the world record of 11 consecutive Test wins, and then surpassing that mark with their 12th win in Perth.

The legendary run came to an end in 2001 when India, led by an inspired VVS Laxman, pulled off an improbable victory in Kolkata, but not before Australia had firmly established themselves as one of the most dominant Test sides in cricket history.

Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.