India have had a successful tour of Australia in 2018-19 as they were unbeaten in all the series across formats. They tied the T20I series 1-1, won the Test series 2-1, and the ODI series 2-1. They have embarked on another tour of Australia this time. Will they be able to repeat the 2018-19 heroics?
Cricwizz takes a look at the unforgettable memories of the 2018-19 India's tour of Australia.
1) Kohli helps level the T20I series
India could have won the T20I series by 3-0 margin but they settled for a 1-1 draw. The lost the 1st T20I by just four runs after Duckworth Lewis method came into play. In the second T20I, they have had Australia reeling at 132/7 in 19 overs before the match was abandoned due to rain. In the third T20I, India were fighting for a win to level the series. Indian captain Virat Kohli led from the front, striking 61 not out to chase down a target of 165.
2) Pujara dominates batting from either side
Cheteshwar Pujara was in the form of his life during this series. He amassed 521 runs @ 74.42 in 7 innings with 3 tons and 1 fifty in 4 Tests, helping India post their maiden Test series win Down Under. Two of his 3 tons helped India win two Tests, and bag the series 2-1. He was the highest run-getter from both sides, and was named man of the series for his batting efforts. After the 4th Test, his teammates made him do a bit of dance to celebrate the win to imply he was the hero of the series.
3) Pant-Paine banter
Rishabh Pant has had a good Test series, emerging the second highest run-getter with 350 runs @ 58.33 with 1 ton in 7 innings. And the Australian players, led by captain Tim Paine, decided to sledge him to force him to play a loose shot, and get him out. Paine invited Pant to babysit his kids as he and his wife go for movies because Pant would not be playing the ODIs as MS Dhoni will take up the keeper's role.
Days later, Paine's wife Bonnie posted a picture of Pant with her babies, and captioned it with 'Best Babysitter'. The post went viral and made headlines.
4) Dhoni's man of the series award in the ODI series
MS Dhoni's place in the ODI squad was questioned Down Under as well, after the keeper-batsman made a painful 96-ball 51 as India succumbed to 34-run loss in the first ODI. But Dhoni made a grand comeback in the next two ODIs scoring 55 not out, and 87 not out to help India win the series 2-1. And Dhoni was man of the series for his three fifties in as many innings in the ODI series. And Dhoni's place in the subsequent World Cup was confirmed.
Cover Credits: OutlookIndia
