The Australian cricket team first faced off against India in the 1947/48 season in a five-match Test series on home soil, dominating the visitors with a resounding 4-0 victory.
For the next few decades, Australia continued their dominance until India began to turn the tide, achieving their first Test series win against Australia at home in the 1979/80 series. From that point, India grew into a formidable force, especially on their home turf.
In the 21st century, Australia managed a rare series win in India during the 2004/05 season. However, India etched their name in history with back-to-back Test series victories on Australian soil in 2018/19 and 2020/21.
Best bowling figures by Australian bowlers against India in test cricket:
5. Ray Lindwall – 7/38, Adelaide, 1948
During India’s maiden tour of Australia in 1947/48, fast bowler Ray Lindwall delivered a remarkable spell of 7/38 in the fourth Test at Adelaide. His performance came in India’s second innings after the follow-on was enforced. Lindwall’s brilliance dismissed India for 277 runs in under 17 overs, leading Australia to a victory by an innings and 16 runs. His record stood unbroken for 44 years.
4. Mike Whitney – 7/27, Perth, 1992
In the Perth Test of the 1991/92 series, left-arm pacer Mike Whitney surpassed Lindwall’s record with astonishing figures of 7/27. Defending a massive target of 442, Whitney dismantled India’s batting lineup in just 12.1 overs, bowling them out for 141 runs. Australia secured a dominant 300-run win.
3. Jason Krejza – 8/215, Nagpur, 2008
Off-spinner Jason Krejza made an unforgettable debut against India in Nagpur during the 2008 series. He claimed 8 wickets in India’s first innings but conceded 215 runs at an economy rate of 4.90. Despite his efforts, which included dismissing VVS Laxman with an exceptional delivery, Australia lost the Test by 172 runs. Krejza also took 4 wickets in the second innings and earned the Man of the Match award.
2. Nathan Lyon – 8/64, Indore, 2023
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon was instrumental in Australia’s memorable victory in Indore during their 2023 tour. On a highly spin-friendly pitch, Lyon claimed 8 wickets for 64 runs in India’s second innings, bowling them out for 163. Australia secured a nine-wicket win, aided by Lyon’s match-winning performance.
1. Nathan Lyon – 8/50, Bengaluru, 2017
Nathan Lyon holds the record for the best bowling figures against India in an innings with his 8/50 in the Bengaluru Test of 2017. On a challenging spin track, Lyon decimated India’s batting order, bowling them out for 189 in the first innings. Despite his heroics, Australia fell short in the fourth innings, losing the match by 75 runs, leaving Lyon’s exceptional effort unrewarded.