Top 3 most iconic India-Australia Test matches 

India and Australia have a historic Test history filled with fierce clashes and unforgettable meetings. Both sides have engaged in heated battles that have captivated cricket fans all across the world over the years. From the landmark Border-Gavaskar Trophy clashes to momentous series victories on each other’s turf, their rivalry has been nothing short of legendary. As the Test Championship nears its conclusion, India and Australia will square off in the highly anticipated finals at the Oval, starting June 7. 

This titanic fight promises to be an exciting contest, with both clubs sporting dangerous squads. India’s tenacious batting line, led by the likes of Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, will be tested by Australia’s formidable bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. The competition between the two teams for the prized Test Championship title is going to be heated. So ahead of the upcoming clash today we will recall the top 3 iconic India-Australia encounters.

3. Kolkata Test 2001 

The India-Australia Test match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in 2001 is remembered as one of the greatest comebacks and exhibitions of perseverance in cricket history. India, still reeling from match-fixing allegations and the resignations of two captains, faced a powerful Australian side that had won 16 straight Tests.

The Indian squad was led by Sourav Ganguly, who won the toss and chose to bat, but Australia dominated the first innings and forced the follow-on. India appeared doomed till VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid took the crease. Laxman batted for 281 runs in a mesmerizing show of skill and commitment, while Dravid chipped in with an equally impressive 180. Their 376-run fifth-wicket stand was a record-breaking achievement. Harbhajan Singh’s six-wicket haul further demolished the Australian team’s batting. India won an incredible triumph, becoming only the third side in cricket history to win a Test match after trailing.

With nearly 200,000 fans witnessing this historic achievement, the atmosphere at Eden Gardens was electrifying. The match represented India’s rebirth, generating renewed pride and faith in the team. The Kolkata Test of 2001 will be remembered as a monument to Indian cricket’s resilient spirit and a memorable chapter in the sport’s history.

2. Adelaide Test 2014 

The 2014 Adelaide Test between India and Australia was a memorable match that demonstrated the Indian team’s tenacity and battling spirit. In the absence of skipper MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli headed the team, which had a challenging task as Australia posted a mammoth first-innings total of 517 runs before declaring. In response, Kohli demonstrated his talent with a stunning century, leading India to 444 runs.

As the game progressed, Australia set a 364-run total for India to chase. Following that came an enthralling display of cricket. Kohli rose to the occasion once more, scoring a superb 141 to bring India agonizingly close to victory. The match appeared to be within India’s reach, with only 64 runs required in around eight overs.

However, an unexpected collapse forced India to go all-out for 315. Although India fell short of victory in the match, their valiant effort brought a ray of optimism. Unfortunately, India was defeated 0-2 in the series. Nonetheless, the Adelaide Test demonstrated the Indian team’s potential and commitment, forecasting their future triumph in Australia.

1. Chennai Test, 1986 

The 1986 Chennai Test between India and Australia is remembered as one of the most entertaining games ever played. Dean Jones emerged as the hero in the sweltering heat of Chepauk, battling tremendous bodily discomforts to score a remarkable 210 runs while suffering from dehydration, nausea, and cramping. His remarkable effort, together with David Boon’s 122 and Allan Border’s 106, powered Australia to a massive total of 574, allowing them to declare their innings.

In response, Kapil Dev’s stubborn century of 119 kept India’s hopes alive, but the visitors possessed a commanding 177-run lead. The match reached its peak with tempers flaring as Australia set a target of 348. Ravi Shastri’s blistering 48 from 40 balls flashed a ray of optimism. With four wickets in hand, India found themselves requiring 17 runs with four wickets in hand.

Chetan Sharma was caught on the boundary in a nail-biting finish, followed by the dismissals of Kiran More and Shivlal Yadav. Maninder Singh came to the crease with one ball remaining and four runs required for victory. Shastri hit three runs off the final delivery, but Singh was caught leg-before, ending in the second-ever tie in the Test match.