Five most inspiring Indian performances in Australia

#4 Kapil Dev’s heroic 5/28 to defeat Australia at Melbourne (1980-81)

Kapil Dev

By 1979, the Packer crisis was over and when India toured Australia in 1980-81, Australia was back to its full-strength side. India captained by Sunil Gavaskar was blown away in the first Test at Sydney, and they managed to hold on to a draw by just two wickets at Adelaide.

Australia led by 1-0 and had no intentions of surrendering the lead in the third and the final Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground. After India’s first inning score of 237 propelled by Gundappa Vishwanath’s century, Australia notched up 419 runs, therefore, securing the lead of 182 runs.

India improved on their efforts and posted 324 runs in the second dig. The target now for Australia was only 143 runs. The visitors were handicapped as Shivlal Yadav, Dileep Doshi and Kapil Dev were all injured. Only fit bowler, Karsan Ghavri, struck twice on the fourth day and Australia was 24/3 at the stumps.

The following day, Kapil Dev took the field after having taken several pain-killing injections. The Haryana Hurricane pulled off the ‘Melbourne Miracle’ and his spell of 5/28 sent Australia crashing down to 83 all out. After having been outplayed in the series and on all four days, India’s 59-run win at Melbourne was a dream affair. It remains India’s last Test victory at the majestic ground.