OTD: India and Australia played their first Test against each other in 1947

India and Australia are two of the most decorated teams in international cricket. In recent years, they have faced each other in important stages of ICC events. In 2023, they faced each other in the finals of the World Test Championship as well as the ODI World Cup. They also clashed in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy in 2025.

The two teams locked horns for the first time in Test cricket in November-December 1947 in Brisbane. Don Bradman won the toss and opted to bat first. He played a captain’s knock in the first innings, scoring 185 runs off 336 before being dismissed by his opposite number, Lala Amarnath. Keith Miller (58), Lindsay Hassett (48), and Arthur Morris (47) made important contributions as Australia declared on 382/8.

In reply, the tourists were blown away for just 58 in 21.3 overs as Ernie Toshack bagged a five-for in just 2.3 overs. The other bowlers also contributed nicely.

Australia enforced the follow on, and the Indian batting once again came a cropper. Opener Chandu Sarwate top-scored with a 160-ball 26 but they were bowled out for just 98, as Australia won by an innings and 226 runs. Toschack was once again the pick of the bowlers for Australia. He finished with mind-boggling figures of 6/29 in 17 overs, having bowled six maidens.

India managed to produce a much better effort in the second Test and salvaged a draw. However, Australia were too strong in the third, fourth, and fifth Tests for India, as they won the series 4-0. Bradman was the highest run-getter in the series, with 715 runs in six innings. Meanwhile, Vijay Hazare top-scored for India, with 429 runs in 10 innings. Ray Lindwall was the highest wicket-taker in the series with 18 wickets. On the other hand, Amarnath was the leading wicket-taker (13) among the Indians.

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