Australia vs India: History of the seven-decade rivalry

Australia drew India 1-1 (4) in Australia; 2003-04:

This was the first instance when India took a lead over Australia in a Test series played Down Under. After the first Test in Brisbane ended in a draw (skipper Sourav Ganguly’s 144 did India’s morale a magic), India played out of their skin to beat Australia in Adelaide by 4 wickets even after the hosts scored 556. Rahul Dravid’s double century was the game changer as was Ajit Agarkar’s 6-for in the second innings.

Australia, however, came back strong in the third Test in Melbourne to win by 9 wickets despite Virendra Sehwag’s 195. India came close to winning the series in Sydney but Australian captain Steve Waugh, who was playing his final match, scored 80 to help his side draw the game and the series. Tendulkar was the man of the series.

Australia beat India 2-1 (4) in India; 2004-05:

The Aussies defeated India in an away Test series after 35 years. Led by Adam Gilchrist (first three Tests), Australia won two of the first three games overwhelmingly (by 217 runs in Bangalore in Test 1 and by 342 runs in Nagpur in Test 3) to clinch the series. The second Test in Chennai was drawn.

India, led by Rahul Dravid, won the final Test in a dust bowl in Mumbai by just 13 runs to make it 2-1. Ponting captained Australia in this game. For India, Sourav Ganguly led in the first two matches while Dravid in the final two. Damien Martyn was adjudged the man of the series.

Australia beat India 2-1 (4) in Australia; 2007-08:

One of the most controversial Test series played between India and Australia. Led by Ricky Ponting, Australia defeated India by 337 runs in the first Test in Adelaide. It was the second match in Sydney which made the headlines for dubious umpiring and India lost the game in the dying hours by 122 runs despite taking a first innings lead.

This match was infamous for the MonkeyGate and Indian captain Anil Kumble had remarked after the game that only one team played the match in the spirit of the game. India, nevertheless, came up with a spectacular show in the third and final game in Perth which they won by 72 runs, their first win in this bouncy venue.