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An India versus Australia Test series has always been fascinating, especially since the famous 2001 series.
However, two series played before 2001 started the build-up to this fascinating rivalry
The 1998 series was the series which started it all. It was billed as the Warne versus Tendulkar show.
It was the first time that the two greats were facing each other in Tests after establishing their mark on world cricket.
Though they did play against each other in 1992, Tendulkar was a youngster and Warne was a debutant.
Many top cricketers had predicted that the outcome of the battle between these two greats would dictate the course of the series and that was how it turned out to be.
Tendulkar blasted 155* to set up the first Test and the series for India.
It was an emphatic victory for India over the best side in the world. But the joy was shortlived.
The following series in 1999-2000 showed just how poor visitors India were. As predicted, a 3-0 whitewash was what India got.
Then came the famous 2001 series. The first Test saw a remarkable comeback from Australia after being 5 down for 99. The first Test was soon over.
Australia seemed to be on course to win the final frontier but for a once in a lifetime performance.
The Very Very Special Laxman and Mr. Dependable ‘The Wall’ Dravid snatched India from the jaws of defeat.
This has to rank as the best performance in an Indo-Aussie cricket match.
The ever pugnacious Harbhajan Singh added icing to the cake by ensuring that India won the Test.
The third Test went India’s way and with it went Tugga’s dream of conquering the last frontier.
The following series in 2003-04 would be remembered for being the last one of one of the greatest captains of all time but it would also be remembered for the quality of cricket displayed.
After a drawn first Test, Australia seemed to be on course for a win in the second but for the old pair of VVS and ‘The Wall’.
A very unassuming Ajit Agarkar then gave India a chance to win, a chance which was not wasted by India thanks to a fluent 72* by Dravid.
The third Test started on a good note for India with Sehwag hitting a swashbuckling 195.
However, a fine bowling performance coupled with a double ton from Punter ensured that the series was levelled at 1-1.
The last test in Sydney saw a very uncharacteristic but solid innings from Tendulkar.
But the highlight of the test was the 80 from Steve Waugh. The resounding ovation which he received is something reserved for a few players.
The series also made Indian fans realise that their best batsman no longer batted at no. 4 but at no. 3. This series also saw the emergence of Ricky Ponting as the world’s best batsman, a sobriquet he would go on to have for a few more years.
The series after 2003-04 have somehow not been as fiercely fought. It probably had to do with the fact that a majority of top players were retiring from both sides at regular intervals and that both were going through phases of transition.
Tendulkar is the only one remaining today.
It’s now time for the formation of new rivalries. Maybe Kohli versus Pattinson.
Whatever it is, let’s hope that Test cricket between these two sides in coming years also continues to give the same joy as the past series have given.
But for now all eyes on the first Test starting on February 22.
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