Indian cricketers have long had a formidable presence in One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Australia, particularly when playing on Australian soil. Among these players, Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli have set remarkable records with their consistent performances and century-making prowess.
1) Sachin Tendulkar’s Landmark Century in Australia
Sachin Tendulkar, often regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in history, built a legacy through his memorable innings against Australia. Out of his 49 ODI centuries, several were scored against the Australian side, including some iconic moments. His “Desert Storm” innings of 143 in the 1998 Coca-Cola Cup in Sharjah remains one of the most celebrated knocks in cricket. Tendulkar added more centuries against Australia that same year, including 100 at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur and another on his 35th birthday at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
However, Tendulkar’s sole ODI century on Australian soil came during the first final of the tri-series in 2008. He scored an unbeaten 117* at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), leading India to a famous victory over the hosts. Despite his numerous centuries against Australia, this lone ton in Australia holds a special place in his career.
2) Rohit Sharma: The King of Centuries on Australian Turf
Rohit Sharma has firmly established himself as one of the best visiting ODI players in Australia, scoring four centuries on Australian soil. His highest, an unbeaten 171* at the WACA Ground in Perth on January 12, 2016, was a record-breaking knock. It remained the highest score by a visiting batsman in Australia until England’s Jason Roy surpassed it with a 180-run innings in 2018.
Sharma’s century spree against Australia also includes a stellar 138 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2015, a 124 at The Gabba in 2016, and a 133 at the SCG in 2019. These centuries have not only been significant for his personal milestones but have also been vital in India’s success in Australia, proving his ability to shine in tough conditions against a world-class bowling attack.
3) Virat Kohli: A Chase Master on Australian Soil
Virat Kohli, known for his aggressive and consistent batting, has left an indelible mark in ODIs against Australia. Out of his eight ODI centuries against Australia, three were scored on Australian soil, making him joint second on the list of visiting batsmen with the most centuries against Australia in Australia, alongside West Indies legend Vivian Richards and just behind Rohit Sharma.
Kohli’s standout century came during a match in Jaipur in 2013, where he smashed the fastest ODI century by an Indian against Australia, reaching the milestone in just 52 balls. Six of his eight centuries against Australia have come while chasing, showcasing his ability to handle pressure situations and successfully guide India to victory. His three centuries in Australia reinforce his status as one of the greatest ODI batsmen in cricket history.
While Sachin Tendulkar laid the foundation with his iconic innings, it is Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli who have taken the baton forward, with their centuries on Australian soil proving crucial in India’s performances down under.
Sharma leads the pack with four centuries, followed by Kohli with three, both excelling in different eras against a challenging Australian team. Their contributions have solidified India’s reputation as a cricketing powerhouse on Australian grounds.
