08-01-2019, 10:36 AM
The 1980s
In 1980-81, India dramatically levelled the series against a strong Greg Chappell-led Australian side in the third Test at the MCG with an injured Kapil Dev’s five for 28 ambushing the host.
Then, India missed a gilt-edged opportunity to floor a rebuilding Australian team in 1985-86. All the three Tests were drawn although Australia barely escaped in Sydney.
The 1990s and new millennium
India was brushed aside 4-0 in 1991-92 despite Kapil’s brilliance and Sachin Tendulkar’s spirit-lifting hundred at Perth.
In 1999-2000 Australia’s strong batting and the combination of Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Shane Warne saw India being blown away 3-0.
In the subsequent series in 2003-04, the Sourav Ganguly-led Indians forced a sensational four-wicket win in Adelaide with Ajit Agarkar’s six for 41 derailing the Aussies in a match Rahul Dravid dominated with innings of 233 and 72 not out.
That was a series in which Laxman batted brilliantly and Anil Kumble was outstanding with the ball.
India was poised to win the decider at Sydney when Steve Waugh, in his final Test appearance, and Simon Katich, saved the day for the host.
Debacles continue
In the infamous, ill-tempered, Monkeygate series of 2007-08, India roared back from 2-0 for an outstanding win at Perth made possible by pacemen. Australia held on to win the series.
In 2011-12, India was blanked 4-0 in the four-Test series; Michael Clarke and Ben Hilfenhaus excelled. Then, in 2014-15, despite Virat Kohli’s brilliance, India went down 2-0.
Now, Kohli, learning from the past, has enabled India take the final step.
In 1980-81, India dramatically levelled the series against a strong Greg Chappell-led Australian side in the third Test at the MCG with an injured Kapil Dev’s five for 28 ambushing the host.
Then, India missed a gilt-edged opportunity to floor a rebuilding Australian team in 1985-86. All the three Tests were drawn although Australia barely escaped in Sydney.
The 1990s and new millennium
India was brushed aside 4-0 in 1991-92 despite Kapil’s brilliance and Sachin Tendulkar’s spirit-lifting hundred at Perth.
In 1999-2000 Australia’s strong batting and the combination of Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Shane Warne saw India being blown away 3-0.
In the subsequent series in 2003-04, the Sourav Ganguly-led Indians forced a sensational four-wicket win in Adelaide with Ajit Agarkar’s six for 41 derailing the Aussies in a match Rahul Dravid dominated with innings of 233 and 72 not out.
That was a series in which Laxman batted brilliantly and Anil Kumble was outstanding with the ball.
India was poised to win the decider at Sydney when Steve Waugh, in his final Test appearance, and Simon Katich, saved the day for the host.
Debacles continue
In the infamous, ill-tempered, Monkeygate series of 2007-08, India roared back from 2-0 for an outstanding win at Perth made possible by pacemen. Australia held on to win the series.
In 2011-12, India was blanked 4-0 in the four-Test series; Michael Clarke and Ben Hilfenhaus excelled. Then, in 2014-15, despite Virat Kohli’s brilliance, India went down 2-0.
Now, Kohli, learning from the past, has enabled India take the final step.
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