India’s famous overseas Test victories

Indian cricket team is generally very strong at home. But when it comes to overseas, India’s performance against quality oppositions has traditionally been below par. However, there are a few very good victories that are worth reminiscing. Here we bring you five of the best victories outside the subcontinent that Indians have enjoyed in various continents. While these may not be victories by the biggest of margins, the pressure, the opposition and the situation were considered for this subjective evaluation. Here we look at India’s famous overseas Test victories

India tour of Australia: at Perth, Jan 16-19, 2008       

                                                                      

Backdrop:

Australia was leading 2-0 and this was the third test match of four match test series. The previous game at Sydney was filled with controversial umpiring decisions, tempers flying between players and verbal abuses including the famous ‘monkeygate’ incident. At Perth, which is one of the most bouncy pitches, Australians were clear favourites to win this test match and take this series.

Brief Report:

Anil Kumble won the toss and decided to bat. Riding on Dravid’s 93 and Sachin’s 71, India posted a modest 330. In response, thanks to RP Singh’s good lifters, Australia was dismissed for just 212 with Symonds getting a half-century. In the second inning, Irfan Pathan was promoted to one down after an early wicket.

It was a successful ploy as he had a good stand with Sehwag, himself scoring a brave 46 and India got an impressive second innings total of 294 runs with the help of an assured 79 from VVS Laxman. Chasing a Himalayan target of 413, Australians didn’t surrender meekly as they managed to score a respectable 340 with Micheal Clarke being the top scorer for Australia with 81 runs and Irfan Pathan taking 3 wickets for India.

Man of the match:

IK Pathan for his all-round performance.

Final Series score line:

Australia won the four-match series 2-1.