3 Indians Who Could Have Hacked Their Way Into The Playing XI Of The Invincible Aussies In Tests 

The invincible Aussies ruled the world of cricket for over a decade because of the kind of team they had, which was led by one of the most fearless captains in the history of the game, Ricky Ponting. There were hardly any teams who could go toe-to-toe against them and emerge victorious. Australia was undoubtedly the best team on the planet back in the 2000s and they had all their bases covered.

The Indian squad too had excellent players, but they were mostly unable to match The Kangaroos. It was believed that Australia can make two squads and still end up winning international matches with their B team, such was the talent available in Australia. However, these three Indians were excellent at their position and could have easily made it to the playing XI of The Mighty Aussie squad.

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#1 Sachin Tendulkar

Tendulkar was one of the very best

No matter how strong your team is, no matter what the conditions are, no matter what the situation is, Sachin Tendulkar always has the qualification. Australia had a world-class Test team, but they did not have Sachin Tendulkar in their mighty squad. The man does not need any introduction, his stats speak for themselves. Playing 200 Test matches and scoring close to 16,000 runs at an average of over 53 takes immense fitness, talent, skill, and absolute resolve.

Without any doubt, Sachin Tendulkar would have been the first choice at number 4 for Australia and Australia would have enjoyed an undefeated run if they had The Little Master by their side. The God of Cricket has an impressive record against Australia in Tests. The legend scored over 3600 runs in 39 Test matches, averaging 55. The master also managed to score 11 tTest centuries against Australia, which is commendable, considering the kind of bowling attack Australia had.

Darren Lehmann, Michael Hussey, and Michael Clarke were mostly batting in the middle order for Australia back in the early 2000s, after Steve Waugh's retirement and Sachin Tendulkar could have replaced either of them comprehensively.

#2 VVS Laxman

Laxman played some of his finest knocks against the Aussies

Ever since Steve Waugh retired from Test cricket, he left a void at the number 5 position for Australia and till this date, Australia has not managed to find a replacement as good as him. India, on the other hand, VVS Laxman as their number 5 in Test cricket and one couldn't have asked for a better player at that spot than him. What a complete package Laxman was, a very very special package.

He could stick to his crease, play long innings, save a Test match, help the team through a collapse, win the Test match while batting with the tail and whatnot. Nobody in the world can ever forget the day when VVS Laxman scored 281 runs against Australia and helped India win the match after a follow-on. That was one of the most iconic moments in the history of Indian cricket.

VVS Laxman was always an underrated player who easily got on the nerves of the Aussies. Laxman has scored close to 8800 runs in 225 innings, maintaining an impressive average of 45. VVS Laxman has scored around 2500 runs against the Aussies in just 29 games and has managed to cross the 100-run mark six times. Laxman’s inclusion would have been a positive boost to the Australian team back in the day.

Between 2000 and 2007, Australia tried a lot of options at number 6 including Michael Clarke, Simon Katich, Damien Martyn, and Andrew Symonds. It is safe to say that VVS Laxman would have been the perfect choice for Australia at the position.

#3 Rahul Dravid

The 'Wall' lends balance to any Test side

Any Test team without Rahul Dravid is not an ideal team. Rahul Dravid is undoubtedly one of the best Test cricketers of all time and with him in your team, your side will be balanced. Rahul Dravid has played the majority of his career batting at number 3 in Test cricket. However, he is the kind of batsman who is comfortable with batting at any position that the team wants him to.

Mr. Dependable Rahul Dravid has scored over 13,000 runs in Test cricket in just 164 matches at an average of over 52. Many times, he held on to his wicket in case of a collapse and helped India reach a respectable total. Rahul Dravid has scored over 2100 runs against Australia in Test cricket in just 32 matches and has 2 centuries and 13 half centuries against them. He would have made it to the great Australian Team in no time. According to Glenn McGrath,” If there was one Indian player who could get a direct entry into the famous Australian team of the late 90s, it would be Rahul Dravid.”

Mark Waugh and Damien Maryn mostly batted at number 4 for Australia till 2006 and Rahul Dravid is undoubtedly the better option for Australia. The player played the major part of his career batting at 3 for India, but he has played close to 20 matches batting at 4 and has an average of over 60 so he could be an ideal fit.