UPS AND DOWNS India in Australia

UPS
1985-86
1st Test: Gavaskar averaged117 and the rest of the top order lingered between 55 and 75 as India posted a mammoth total. Kapil’s eight-wicket haul set the tone.
The rest of the series: The momentum helped India rake in a repeat performance in the second Test and they fell short by just 66 runs. The third Test saw the Aussies follow on and they were still 85 runs short with four wickets in hand after five days.

2003-04
1st Test: With the exception of Justin Langer’s fighting 121, the rest of the top order crumbled against an impressive Zaheer. India came up with as good a start they could have perceived, restricting Australia to a mere 323 and then riding on Ganguly’s century to take the all-important innings lead.
The rest of the series: Riding on the confidence, India won their first Test in Australia after 23 years. Dravid crowned himself king with a historic 233 and later, Laxman, Tendulkar and Sehwag contributed runs at will to take India close to a series win in Sydney (last Test). Kumble’s 24 wickets with the rest of the attack chipping in had almost done the Aussies in.

DOWNS:
1991-92
1st Test: Craig McDermott removed openers Shastri and Srikkanth while Hughes and Whitney accounted for Manjrekar, Vengsarkar, Azharuddin and Tendulkar. The six batsmen collectively managed a mere 83 runs. When Australia walked in to bat, an opening partnership of 95 runs was enough to further demoralise the visitors. India lost the Test.
The rest of the series: Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth were similar stories. India’s confidence was shattered in Brisbane and the Aussies never let the Indians heave any sigh of relief.

1999-2000
1st Test: India had been demolished clinically. Australia won the toss, defied the Indian attack comprising Srinath, Agarkar and Prasad, managed a first innings score of 441 and then packed off the visitors for a paltry 285.
The rest of the series: Loss in Adelaide, disasters in Melbourne and Sydney. Indian batsmen continued to struggle, Aussies rode contributions from Blewett, Taylor, Ponting and Gilchrist.