1. Australia, 2000/01 (Home):
Perhaps this was the series which instilled a belief in India’s modern generation that it can challenge any side in the world. Steve Waugh’s all-conquering side arrived in India on the back of 15 consecutive Test wins and began the series in a similar fashion, winning the series-opener at Mumbai by 10 wickets.
In the second Test in Kolkata, the hosts were staring down the barrel again after being bowled out for a paltry 171 in reply to Australia’s first innings total of 445. But Steve Waugh’s decision to enforce a follow-on turned out to be a nightmare, as India not only miraculously won the Kolkata Test but also won the next one in Chennai to clinch the series.
VVS Laxman’s 281-run knock and Rahul Dravid’s 180-run knocks helped India to post a massive 657 for seven (declared) before Harbhajan Singh’s six-wicket haul inspired the hosts to bowl the Aussies out for 212 to win the match by 171 runs. Harbhajan had also taken seven wickets in the first innings including an hat-trick, which was the first by an Indian in Tests.
With the series on the line, Australia was in command of the proceedings in the third Test in Chennai with the scoreboard reading 340 for three on the second morning. However, the match turned on its head when Steve Waugh was given out “handled the ball” off Harbhajan’s bowling. Australia went on to lose its last six wickets for just 51 runs to be bowled out for 391 with Harbhajan finishing with six for 26.
In reply, India, led by Sachin Tendulkar’s 126, posted 501 to take a 110-run lead. Harbhajan once again wreaked havoc with the ball, taking a stunning eight for 84, as Australia were bowled out for 255. With the scoreboard reading 101 for two chasing 155, India was looking set for a comfortable victory before losing six wickets for 50 runs which threatened to derail the chase.
However, the hosts eventually reached the target without suffering any setback with Harbhajan hitting the winning runs.