Top 5 Memorable Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches played in Australia

The tension is always high in the India-Australia rivalry, especially in the game's purest form. The two sides have played some of the most memorable Tests in the game's history. This legendary rivalry dates back several decades, during which both cricketing powerhouses dominated the prestigious Test format. The thrilling confrontations between India's tenacious batting and Australia's fearsome bowling arsenal are at the core of this long-standing rivalry.

To summarise, this is a straightforward fight of the best vs the best. India have won the Border-Gavaskar trophy (BGT) four times in a row, and the hosts from Australia are eager to reverse the trend in the upcoming five-match Test series. That said, here's a comprehensive list of the five Test matches played in Australia that have made a mark on several cricket fanatics since the BGT's inception.

·   2003 Adelaide

The 2003 Adelaide clash-up was India's first Test victory in Australia since 1980-81 when they won in Melbourne. After Ricky Ponting's 242 propelled Australia to 556 in the first innings, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman re-wrote their epic partnership at Eden Gardens with a historic 303-run stand for the fifth wicket. Dravid's fourth Test double-hundred was a resounding response to his doubters who questioned his ability to score runs in Australia.

The Indian number three not only exorcised the ghosts of the 1999-2000 Australia trip with this innings but also joined the ranks of the greats. Ajit Agarkar's remarkable statistics of 6/41 guaranteed that Australia were bowled out for 196 runs in their second innings, setting India a 230-run goal. Dravid followed up his first-innings effort with an unbeaten 72 in the second as India chased down the mark and won by four wickets to grab a 1-0 series lead against Australia for the first time in history.

·   2008 Sydney

The Sydney Test clash between India and Australia was one of the most contentious games in the sport's history. Happened way back in 2008, the match sparked controversy due to the number of umpiring errors by senior umpires Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson. Furthermore, Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was charged with racist abuse to Aussies players like Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, and Ricky Ponting.

At the same time, Australian players were accused of lousy sportsmanship for attempting to influence the umpire's decision, resulting in several issues, and being touted as the infamous Monkeygate Scandal. Nonetheless, Australia won the game on Day 5 with minutes to spare, giving them a 2-0 series lead after winning the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

·   2008 Perth

The Perth Test from the 2008 Border-Gasvaskar Trophy deserves to be included. Even though it only lasted four days, the game alternated between the two teams from session to session. The Anil-Kumble-led squad fought after falling 0-2 in the series to defeat the hosts and make it 2-1 heading into the final Test. At the time, no team had beaten the Australians at the WACA in Perth in almost eleven years.

To make matters better, it was India's first victory in Australia in over four years. It was much more crucial for the Indian team and spectators since the Test triumph in Perth came shortly after the SCG Test, which was beset by numerous issues, mainly the infamous Monkeygate Scandal. Overall, this match signified the impeccable grit and resilience of the Indian Cricket team.

·   2018 Melbourne

India's close victory over Australia in the series opener of the 2018-19 Tour in Melbourne provided a glimpse of how India will be a dominant red-ball team overseas. India got bowled out for 250 when Virat Kohli chose to bat first despite Cheteshwar Pujara's valiant 123. However, Indian spinners remained strong and never let the Australian batters settle in.

Travis Head top-scored with 72 as Australia were dismissed for 235, behind India by 15 runs. The visitors then extended their advantage by 307 runs, giving Australia a colossal target of 323 runs. The Indian bowlers grabbed the initiative, like they had in the previous innings, and bowled the hosts out for 291. Bumrah, Shami, and Ashwin took three wickets each as India.

·   2021 Brisbane

The Indian-Aussies clash up match in 2021 at the Gabba was an exciting and historic encounter, providing edge-of-the-seat cricketing entertainment. Australia won the toss and chose to bat first, amassing 369 runs in the opening innings. Marnus Labuschagne scored 108 runs, and debutant Washington Sundar took four wickets for India. In response, India scored 336 runs, with Shardul Thakur leading the way with 67 runs.

As a result, the Australians were bowled out for 294, giving India a target of 328. India, despite early losses, demonstrated amazing perseverance. Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara established a solid platform, while Rishabh Pant's aggressive effort boosted India's hopes. On the final day, Pant's undefeated 89 runs lead India to a historic three-wicket triumph. India won their first Test at the Gabba, breaking Australia's 32-year unbroken record there. It was also India's second straight Test series win in Australia.