Sachin Tendulkar's five best Test knocks vs Australia in India

#3 177, Bangalore, 1997-98

Sachin waged a lone war against the Aussie pacers

This match was reminiscent of the days when Sachin waged a lone battle against opposition and more often than not, India ended up losing. Having won the series already, India headed to Bangalore for the final Test.

Everything seemed to be going right for India as they won the toss, elected to bat and went on to post a huge first innings total of 424. It was fueled by an aggressive 177 by Sachin off just 207 balls. He continued his majestic form from the previous match and struck 29 fours and three sixes and did not allow Australia’s key bowlers to settle down.

It was little wonder that he scored 177 runs out of the 281 added while he was at the crease.

Once he departed, what followed was a dramatic change in the dynamics of the game as India ended up losing by eight wickets. It bore testament to the household stereotype of the Indian cricket team of the late 90s – If Sachin falls, we turn off the television.