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Test Cricket is the ultimate challenge of endurance, temperament and physical capacity at the highest level. Sound technique, strong temperament, critical evaluation of the conditions and a high degree of athleticism are required to succeed in the longest format of the game.
It gets even more challenging to play Test cricket in foreign conditions, as it requires a sound understanding of the pitches and weather of the country. Hence, overseas Test tours are considered to be the most laborious challenges, as the players are expected to ply their trade in alien conditions.
Though India did not enjoy a very good overseas record in the 20th century, the team turned into an audacious unit under Sourav Ganguly, who made the team believe that they can beat even the best at their own backyard. The foundation led by Ganguly was effectively carried forward by Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni, and is currently in the safe hands of Virat Kohli.
We take a look at some of the most iconic victories of Team India on foreign soil in the 21st century, all of which were comprehensive team performances
#10 India vs New Zealand, Hamilton, 2009
India took on New Zealand in the First Test Match at Hamilton, as MS Dhoni was chasing his first overseas series win. Winning the toss, Captain MS Dhoni asked the hosts to bat first.
The hosts never looked at ease as they were reduced to 60-6 in 23 overs. Jesse Ryder and Daniel Vettori staged a comeback with their impressive hundreds, but once Daniel Vettori lost his wicket, the rest of the side was cleaned up inside eight overs. India restricted the hosts to 279, as Ishant Sharma took a four-wicket haul.
India started off in a bright fashion, even after losing Sehwag early. Sachin Tendulkar scored an immaculate century and stitched vital partnerships with the top order batsmen. A late onslaught by Zaheer Khan took India to a formidable 520.
New Zealand was dismissed for 279 once again, as nobody apart from Daniel Flynn and Brendon McCullum got going. Harbhajan Singh spun a vicious web all around the Kiwi batsmen and ended up with a six-wicket haul en route his best overseas bowling figures.
India raced away to victory, chasing a paltry 39 inside six overs and overcame the New Zealand jinx, beating the Kiwis on their backyard after 33 years.
Tendulkar was awarded the Man of the Match for his knock of 160. India drew the remaining two games, and won a Test Series only for the second time in New Zealand, after a gap of 42 years.
Result - India won the match by 10 wickets
Man of The Match- Sachin Tendulkar (160)
Other Key Performers- Harbhajan Singh (6/120), Gautam Gambhir (72 & 30*) Munaf Patel (5/120)
#9 India vs West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica, 2006
This was the fourth and final Test of a keenly contested series. Three matches had been drawn and a result was required in this tie to have a series winner.
Indian skipper Rahul Dravid won the toss and elected to bat first. Skipper Dravid was the pick of the batsmen as he scored a valiant 81 as nobody else could get past the Caribbean bowlers. Dravid stitched a 93-run partnership with Kumble, who batted vigilantly for his 45. The Indian innings came to an end at 200.
In reply, West Indies were bundled out for 103, with four batsmen dismissed for ducks. Harbhajan Singh was the most successful bowler, taking a five-wicket haul.
India took a first innings lead of 97 runs, and scored another 171 runs, setting West Indies a target of 268. Rahul Dravid top-scored once again, with 68, as no other batsman could even score a half-century.
The West Indian innings never got going, as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Ramnaresh Sarwan and Denesh Ramdin did try to fight back with their half centuries, but Anil Kumble tore apart the middle order with his genius spell, taking six wickets on the course to a 49-run victory.
Dravid was rightfully adjudged the Man of the Match was his technically sound knocks. India won the Test series by a scoreline of 1-0, beating the Caribbeans for the first time on their soil in 35 years.
Result- India won by 49 runs
Man of the Match- Rahul Dravid (81 & 68)
Other Key Performers- Anil Kumble (45 & 7/110), Harbhajan Singh (5/78)
#8 India vs England, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 2007
This was the second Test match of three-match series for the Pataudi Trophy. A defiant knock from MS Dhoni and a slice of luck from the weather had enabled India to draw the first match at The Lord's.
India won the toss in the second match and captain Rahul Dravid elected to field first. The bowlers vindicated their captain's trust as they bundled England for 198.
Zaheer Khan claimed the valuable scalps in the top and middle order while Anil Kumble cleaned up the English tail, as they ended up with four and three wickets respectively.
Openers Dinesh Karthik and Wasim Jaffer got India to a flying start and half-centuries from Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman steered the Indian innings to a total of 481.
The second innings was all about the heroics of Zaheer Khan, as he ran through English line up and ended up with a five-wicket haul. A hundred from captain Michael Vaughan and contributions from Andrew Strauss and Paul Collingwood took England to 355.
India had to chase 73 runs to create history in England. With an overnight score of 10/0, India scored the remaining 63 runs on the last day after the loss of three wickets and took 1-0 lead in the Test Series. Zak was awarded Man of the Match for his match-winning spell of 9/134.
India went on to draw the third match and clinched the third Test series victory in England and the first in 21 years.
Result - India won by 7 wickets
Man of The Match- Zaheer Khan (9/134)
Key Performers- Sachin Tendulkar (91 & 1), Anil Kumble (6/136), Sourav Ganguly (79 & 2 and 1/33)
#7 India vs Pakistan, Multan, 2004
India locked horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in the first match of the series at Multan, a pitch which promised a lot of assistance for the fast bowlers.
However, Virender Sehwag had other ideas, as he tore apart the Pakistani bowling attack. Sehwag already notched his hundred, by the time the first wicket fell at 160.
The Nawab of Najafgarh never slowed down his innings and scripted glory with his nonchalant and audacious style.
He ended the 72-year drought, as he became the first Indian to hit a triple century, bringing up the milestone in his own style with a six. He added 336 runs for the fourth wicket partnership with Sachin Tendulkar, as India declared for a mammoth 675/5.
India potentially batted the hosts out of the game, as they enforced the follow-on after Pakistan managed 407 in their first innings.
The second innings turned worse for the hosts, with Mohammad Yousuf's hundred being the only positive, as they were bundled out for 216. Anil Kumble claimed a six-wicket haul, as Rahul Dravid led India to a historic win over the neighbours on their own turf after 49 years, in only his second Test as captain.
Sehwag won the Man of the Match award for his swashbuckling knock of 309. India went on to win the three-match series by a margin of 2-1.
Result- India won by an innings and 52 runs
Man of the Match- Virender Sehwag (309)
Key Performers- Sachin Tendulkar (194* & 2/ 59), Anil Kumble (8/172)
#6 India vs England, Headingley, Leeds, 2002
This match is best remembered as one of the most thumping wins by India outside the subcontinent. It was the start of a phase of resurgence for Indian cricket, as India began to play a fearless brand of cricket under captain Sourav Ganguly.
Captain Ganguly won the toss and opted to bat first on a damp pitch. Sanjay Bangar and Rahul Dravid ushered a sense of calmness, as they negotiated the English weather and bowlers with their technical supremacy.
Tendulkar top-scored for India, stitching vital partnerships with Dravid and Ganguly, as the three middle-order batsmen hit glorious centuries.
Dravid frustrated the English bowlers, mentally more than physically, while Sachin displayed his wide array of shots. Sachin stepped on the accelerator just at the right time and slogged the bowlers all over the park, a sight resembling the T20 exploits these days.
India declared their innings for a massive 628/8, and a disciplined effort by the bowlers enabled India to bowl out England twice, handing the hosts a sounding defeat by an innings and 42 runs.
Rahul Dravid once again reaffirmed his stature as Mr.Dependable in overseas tours, winning the Man of the Match award for his exemplary knock of 148. India levelled the series and drew the series 1-1.
Result- India won by an innings and 42 runs
Man of the Match- Rahul Dravid (148)
Other Key Performers- Sachin Tendulkar (193), Sourav Ganguly (128), Anil Kumble (7/159)
#5 India vs England, The Lord's, 2014
This iconic Indian victory was the only silver lining in an otherwise disastrous Test outing in England.
England won the toss and put India to bat on a green wicket. India was reduced to 145-7, and a defeat looked inevitable on the cards. However, an inspired hundred from Ajinkya Rahane and a courageous display by Bhuvneshwar Kumar helped India put a respectable 295 on the board.
Bhuvneshwar carried his momentum in bowling and ended up with 6 wickets, devastating the English line up. A century from Gary Ballance helped England to get a narrow 24-run lead.
A skilful 95 from Murali Vijay, along with a brisk 99-run partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and Bhuvneshwar Kumar steerer India to an indomitable 342.
Ishant Sharma was at his savage best in the fourth innings, as he peppered the English batsmen with his aggressive short balls. England recorded a dismal collapse after tea, losing last six wickets for 50 runs.
Ishant was adjudged the Man of The Match for his sensational 7-wicket haul, as India won a Test at The Lord’s after 28 years. However, India could not cling on the momentum and lost the remaining three matches, losing by a 3-1 margin.
Result- India won by 95 runs
Man of The Match- Ishant Sharma (7/74)
Key Performers- Bhuvneshwar Kumar(6/103 and 36 & 52) , Ajinkya Rahane (103 & 5), Murali Vijay (24 & 95 and 1/23)
#4 India vs South Africa, New Wanderers, Johannesburg, 2006
India took on South Africa in the first match of the Test series, chasing their first win in the nation. Winning the toss, captain Rahul Dravid elected to bat.
It was Sourav Ganguly who held things together for India, as wickets kept falling at regular intervals. The southpaw was the only batsman to cross the fifty-mark, as he remained not-out for 51, with the visitors posting 249 on the board.
When things did not seem too favourable, the Indian seamers turned the tables, exploiting the conditions superbly. The Proteas were bowled out for a mere 84, as Sreesanth claimed a five-wicket haul.
India took a 165-run lead and extended it further to more than 400, with VVS Laxman top-scoring this time. Sreesanth, provoked by the antics of Andre Nel, hooked him for a six and celebrated excitedly swinging his bat above his head.
South Africa kept losing wickets at regular intervals, with Ashwell Prince being the only batsman who staged a fight. Sreesanth, Kumble and Zaheer Khan claimed 3 wickets apiece, as India won their first match in the African nation by 123 runs.
Sreesanth won the Man of the Match award for his 8 wickets. India could not carry forward the momentum and lost the remaining two matches, losing the Test series by a 2-1 margin.
Result- India won by 123 runs
Man of the Match - S.Sreesanth (8/99)
Other Key Performers- VVS Laxman (28 & 73), Sourav Ganguly (51 & 25), Anil Kumble (5/56)
#3 India vs Australia, The WACA, Perth, 2008
The series had taken an ugly face after the Monkey-Gate controversy and the poor umpiring by Steve Bucknor.
The onus was now on the Indian side, 0-2 down, to bounce back with a victory. The third match of the series took place at The WACA, Perth, a ground at which the Aussies were almost invincible.
However, India put up a spirited display, getting 330 on the board courtesy half-centuries from Dravid and Tendulkar. India took a healthy 108-run lead, with the fast bowlers claiming eight wickets among themselves. Captain Anil Kumble claimed Andrew Symonds as his 600th Test wicket.
It was another inspired batting performance by the Indians, with VVS Laxman top-scoring with 79 runs, and gritty knocks by Irfan Pathan, MS Dhoni and RP Singh.
Australia had to pull off the second-highest chase in the history of Tests, with 412 runs, if they had to win the match.
Indian bowlers never allowed any big partnership to prosper, picking wickets at regular intervals. Sehwag turned the second spinner in the absence of Harbhajan Singh and claimed the prized scalps of Adam Gilchrist and Brett Lee. Michael Clarke did try to stage a comeback with the tailenders, however, the Kangaroos fell short by 72 runs.
It was more of a moral victory for the Indians, as they denied the Australians a potential world-record 17th consecutive victory, that too, at their bastion. Harbhajan Singh sprinted into the ground with the Indian tricolour, paving the way for jubilant celebrations.
Irfan Pathan was adjudged the Man of the Match for his all-round contribution. The fourth Test at Adelaide was drawn, resulting in a 2-1 series loss for the visitors.
Result - India won by 72 runs
Man of the Match - Irfan Pathan (5/117 and 28,46)
Other Key Performers - Rahul Dravid (93 & 3), VVS Laxman (27 & 79), RP Singh (6/163 & 30)
#2 India vs Australia, The Adelaide Oval, 2003
This victory is widely regarded as the best Indian victory Down Under. It was a high scoring thriller as India emerged victorious despite a first innings score of 556 by the Kangaroos. A brilliant double century by Ricky Ponting, along with contributions from Justin Langer and Simon Katich powered Australia to the giant score. Anil Kumble claimed a five-wicket haul.
India started off in an underwhelming fashion, reeling at 85-4. However, what followed next was a display of immense grit, class and elegance as VVS Laxman joined hands with his long-time partner Rahul Dravid to stitch a match-winning 333-run partnership for the fifth wicket. They wore out and tore apart the Australian bowling attack, with their relentless tenacity, unerring focus, graceful shots and pristine timing.
It seemed to be a blast from the past from the duo, who had battled out the Aussies at the Eden Garden in a similar fashion. Laxman was dismissed for 148, while Dravid carried his bat across the innings, hitting a prodigious double century, and ensuring that India do not concede a big lead.
Also Read: https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/all-time-best-test-xi-of-india-ss
Australia came out all guns blazing, but the substandard shot selection and a six-wicket haul by Ajit Agarkar limited them to 196. India had to chase 230 for victory, with a day and 10 overs in hand.
Rahul Dravid emerged as the hero again, who with an impressive 72*, along with brisk contributions from Tendulkar and Laxman chased down the score comfortably. Dravid rightly hit the winning runs, with India defeating Australia in their first home match in five years, that too, from a formidable situation.
Dravid was rightly adjudged the Man of the Match for his twin knocks under pressure. Australia won the third match, drawing the fourth, ensuring the series was levelled by 1-1
Result- India won by 4 wickets
Man of the Match- Rahul Dravid (233 & 72*)
Other Key Performers- VVS Laxman (148 & 32), Ajit Agarkar (8/160), Anil Kumble (6/212)
#1 India vs South Africa, The Wanderers, Johannesburg, 2018
Another low scoring thriller, this match deserves the first place on our list for the valiant and tenacious performance by the Indians in alien, unfavourable conditions. Already having lost the series, India looked to salvage pride in the third game against the hosts.
Indian captain Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat first. India managed to put 187 runs on the board, with Cheteshwar Pujara and Kohli hitting gritty half centuries. Bhuvneshwar's brisk contribution of 30 down the order was invaluable.
Jasprit Bumrah's maiden five-wicket haul, complemented by three wickets of Bhuvneshwar Kumar restricted the Proteas to 194.
Indian batsmen took the field once again, on a pitch which had now become extremely difficult and to an extent, dangerous, to bat on.
Nonetheless, the visitors put up a spirited display, without complaining about the conditions. Captain Kohli and Vice-Captain Rahane scored 40s, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar stepped up with another vital contribution down the order. India set a target of 241 for the Proteas.
The Indian seamers exploited the conditions majestically, however, concern for players' safety suspended the play after a few balls threateningly hit the South African openers. Mohammad Shami claimed the first wicket on the fourth day.
India had to persevere for the second wicket, but picked up the remaining eight without much resistance, save Dean Elgar. It was Shami this time who picked up a five-wicket haul.
The win was largely creditable to the infectious courage of Virat Kohli as a captain, who constantly motivated his teammates to fight the adverse conditions without cribbing.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was awarded the Man of the Match for his exploits with the bat and the ball. India won the final Test but lost the series 2-1.
Result- India won by 63 runs
Man of the Match- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4/83 and 30 & 33)
Other Key Performers- Virat Kohli (54 & 41), Jasprit Bumrah (7/111), Mohammad Shami (6/74)
