Monday, January 19 holds a special place in Indian cricket history, symbolising grit, courage, and an unshakeable belief against Australia in their own backyard. On this date, separated by 13 years, Team India produced two of its most iconic Test victories on Australian soil — at Perth in 2008 and Brisbane in 2021 — moments that redefined India’s standing in world cricket.

Perth 2008: Ending Australia’s Home Dominance

India’s first January 19 miracle came during the 2007–08 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the intimidating WACA Stadium in Perth. The victory carried extra emotional weight, arriving just days after the controversial Sydney Test that featured the infamous ‘Monkeygate’ incident and questionable umpiring decisions. Under intense pressure, India responded in the best possible way — with bat and ball.

Opting to bat first on a lively surface, India posted a competitive 330, built around Rahul Dravid’s composed 93 and Sachin Tendulkar’s fluent 71. Australia’s fearsome pace attack, led by Mitchell Johnson (4/86) and Brett Lee (3/71), ensured the contest remained evenly poised. However, India’s bowlers seized control in the first innings, skittling Australia for 212. RP Singh starred with 4/68, while Anil Kumble, Irfan Pathan, and a young Ishant Sharma provided vital support.

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With a healthy lead, India tightened the screws in the second innings. Contributions from VVS Laxman (79), Pathan (46), and Virender Sehwag (43) pushed Australia out of the game, despite Stuart Clark’s 4/61. Chasing a daunting 413, the hosts were bowled out for 340, as India sealed a historic 72-run win — Australia’s first home Test defeat in five years.

Last time Australia lost a Gabba Test…

🇺🇸 George H.W. Bush had just won the US Presidential election

🎶 Bad Medicine by Bon Jovi was charting #1

👶 Virat Kohli was 16 days old

🏏 Sachin Tendulkar was still one year away from making his Test debut pic.twitter.com/87DmsDXDqo

— ICC (@ICC) January 19, 2021

Brisbane 2021: The Gabba Breached

Exactly 13 years later, India scripted another unforgettable January 19 chapter at the Gabba, a fortress Australia had defended for 32 years. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, an injury-ravaged Indian side missing Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and several others defied all odds.

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After Australia posted 369, India’s lower-order resilience, followed by inspired bowling from Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur, set up a target of 328. In one of the greatest fourth-innings chases in Test history, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Rishabh Pant powered India to a famous victory — and a legendary 2–1 series triumph that will be remembered forever.