Introduction: Australian Mens Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
The rivalry between the Australian Men’s Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team is one of the most exciting in cricket history. These two teams have played many thrilling matches, full of passion, skill, and unforgettable moments. In this article, we’ll look at the timeline of their matches, important series, famous players, and more.
Let’s dive into the complete timeline and details of this cricket rivalry.
Table of Contents
History of the Rivalry
The cricket rivalry between Australia and India started in the 1940s. Since then, both teams have grown stronger and played many Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is. Over the years, matches between these two teams have become more competitive and loved by fans all over the world.
Australia vs India Head-to-Head Record
Test Matches (till 2024)
- Matches Played: 106
- Australia Wins: 45
- India Wins: 32
- Draws: 29
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Matches Played: 150+
- Australia Wins: 83+
- India Wins: 57+
- No Result: Around 10
T20 Internationals
- Matches Played: 30+
- India Wins: 17+
- Australia Wins: 12+
- No Result: 1
Timeline: India vs Australia Matches
Here is a table showing the timeline of some major India vs Australia cricket events.
| Year | Series / Event | Format | Winner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947-48 | India tour of Australia | Test | Australia | First ever Test series between both teams |
| 1977-78 | India tour of Australia | Test | Australia | India won 2 matches but lost series 2-3 |
| 1986 | Australia tour of India | Test | Draw | Famous tied Test in Chennai |
| 1998 | Border-Gavaskar Series | Test | India | Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic innings |
| 2001 | Australia tour of India | Test | India | India won after follow-on in Kolkata |
| 2003-04 | India tour of Australia | Test | Draw | India performed well overseas |
| 2007-08 | India tour of Australia | Test & ODI | Australia | Controversial Sydney Test |
| 2011 | India tour of Australia | Test | Australia | India lost 4-0 |
| 2018-19 | India tour of Australia | Test | India | India won their first-ever series in Australia |
| 2020-21 | India tour of Australia | Test | India | Historic comeback win at Gabba |
| 2023 | ICC World Test Championship Final | Test | Australia | Australia won the title |
| 2023 | ICC Cricket World Cup Final | ODI | Australia | Australia defeated India in Ahmedabad |
Most Iconic Moments in India vs Australia Matches
Tied Test in 1986
India and Australia played a thrilling match in Chennai which ended in a tie — only the second tied Test in history.
VVS Laxman’s 281 in 2001
In the 2001 Kolkata Test, Laxman’s amazing knock helped India win after following-on, turning the series in India’s favour.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Dominance (1998)
Sachin scored heavily against Australia in both Tests and ODIs. His innings in Sharjah is still remembered as “Desert Storm.”
India’s 2018-19 Test Series Win in Australia
Under Virat Kohli, India became the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia.
2021 Gabba Victory
India, with many key players injured, defeated Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane — a ground where Australia hadn’t lost in 32 years.
Famous Players in This Rivalry
From India:
- Sachin Tendulkar – Top scorer against Australia.
- Virat Kohli – Known for aggressive captaincy and performances.
- MS Dhoni – Led India to many wins, especially in ODIs and T20s.
- Ravichandran Ashwin – Successful bowler in Tests against Australia.
- Rahul Dravid – Played some key knocks, especially in 2003-04.
From Australia:
- Steve Waugh – Known for his grit and leadership.
- Ricky Ponting – Scored heavily against India.
- Shane Warne – Legendary spinner who battled Indian batsmen.
- Pat Cummins – Played a big role in Australia’s 2023 WTC and World Cup wins.
- David Warner – Known for aggressive batting.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Test series between India and Australia. It was first introduced in 1996-97 and is named after Allan Border (Australia) and Sunil Gavaskar (India).
Series Wins Summary:
- Australia: 5 series wins
- India: 10 series wins
India has dominated this trophy in recent years, especially with wins in 2017, 2018-19, and 2020-21.
India vs Australia in ICC Tournaments
ICC Cricket World Cup
- 1987 Semi-Final: Australia beat India
- 2003 Final: Australia beat India in Johannesburg
- 2011 Quarter-Final: India beat Australia
- 2015 Semi-Final: Australia beat India
- 2023 Final: Australia beat India in Ahmedabad
ICC T20 World Cup
- 2007 Group Match: India beat Australia and later won the World Cup
- 2016 Group Match: India won thanks to Kohli’s brilliant knock
ICC World Test Championship
- 2021 Final: India lost to New Zealand
- 2023 Final: India lost to Australia
Why This Rivalry Is Special
Evenly Matched Teams
Both teams have world-class players and a strong cricket culture.
Passion and Intensity
Matches are full of emotion and pressure. Players from both sides give their best.
Big Fan Base
Millions of fans watch these matches, making them feel like a cricket festival.
Many Close Matches
Over the years, many games have been close, with last-over or last-session finishes.
Off-Field Drama
The rivalry has not only stayed on the field. Sometimes, players have had tense moments, like:
- Monkeygate Scandal (2008): Between Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds.
- Sledging Battles: Between Kohli and Australian players.
- Controversial Umpiring: Especially during the 2007-08 Sydney Test.
These events added more fire to the rivalry.
What’s Next in This Rivalry?
India and Australia are set to meet again in future Test series, ODIs, and T20Is. With new players rising, the next decade promises more amazing matches.
Upcoming Fixtures (Tentative):
- 2025: Border-Gavaskar Test Series in India
- 2026: ICC T20 World Cup
- 2027: ICC Cricket World Cup
Fun Facts
- India’s first Test series win in Australia came in 2018-19.
- Sachin Tendulkar scored 11 Test centuries against Australia.
- Steve Smith has an average of over 60 against India in Tests.
- The Gabba win in 2021 was India’s youngest team ever in a Test match.
- The 2023 World Cup final between these two teams had over 1 lakh spectators at Narendra Modi Stadium.
Final Thoughts
The battle between the Australian Men’s Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team is more than just cricket — it’s a story of pride, courage, comeback, and respect. From epic matches to historical moments, this rivalry has given fans countless memories. Whether it’s Test cricket, ODIs, or T20s, whenever India faces Australia, the world stops to watch.