List of greatest Test matches that India has played in the 20th century
India recently made history by retaining the Border-Gavaskar trophy by beating Australia in Australia after they chased down 328 at the Gabba. The whole country talked about the win and celebrated it as if we have won a world cup. There was a reason behind the massive celebration. 9 players of the playing eleven from the first Test were not playing in the last match, mostly because of injury. The team which had got out on mere 36 in the first Test, was written off the series and many people called it a complete whitewash. However, the fight, resilience, and defiance shown by Indian team were of another level. While you get out of the hangover of the historic win, look at some of other Greatest Test matches of 20th century that are still new in our memory.
Kolkata Test against Australia – 2000-01
This Test is probably the biggest win for India in this century as India won the match after playing a follow-on. It was only the third time when a team had won the match after being asked to follow-on. Laxman and Rahul Dravid’s partnership of 376 runs where Laxman scored 281 and Dravid scored 180 took out the entire 4th day, and not only saved the match but also helped India to secure a win. People were expecting a draw, but the captain Ganguly had other ideas. On a turning 5th day wicket, Indian spinners bowled out Australia on mere 212 and won the match by 171 runs. India had broken a 16-Test winning streak before this match as well.
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Napier Test against New Zealand – 2009
India was able to save the match after being following on against New Zealand at Napier in 2009. New Zealand had scored 619 runs in the first innings to which India replied with 305. India had to survive 2 days to save this match. Gautam Gambir became the saviour of the match by playing a marathon inning of 137 runs of 436 balls which helped India save the match. VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid also played an important role in saving this match with each playing 212 and 220 balls respectively.
Multan Test against Pakistan – 2004
Can we ever forget the historic triple hundred of Virendra Sehwag in Multan? India defeated Pakistan by innings and 52 runs at their home ground. It was not simple to beat Pakistan at their home at that time, it took 50 years for India to do it. Virendra Sehwag scored a blasting 309 runs off just 375 balls which included 39 fours and 6 sixes. Sachin Tendulkar also scored 194 not out which helped India post a mammoth total of 675 runs. Pakistan could manage just 407 and 216 runs in two innings.
Mumbai Test against Australia in 2004
India was able to win a tight Test against Australia by 13 runs in Mumbai. After being bowled out for just 104 in the first innings, Australia scored 203 runs and took a lead of 99 runs. India bettered its score in the second innings and made 205 runs. The Australian team needed 107 runs in the fourth innings but India had three quality spinners – Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble and Murali Karthik. Australia choked on the spinning wickets and was bowled out on just 93. The trio of spinners claimed 18 Australian wickets in the match.
Johannesburg Test against South Africa – 2006
After a dismal performance in the ODI series, no one was expecting Indian team to start the Test series with a win. But the team did it in the leadership of new captain Rahul Dravid. It was also a comeback match for former captain Sourav Ganguly, who played an important role in the first innings. India restricted South Africa to just 84 in the first innings which helped them put a total of a 402-run chase for South Africa in the fourth innings. Sreesanth took a total of 8 wickets in the match.
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