Top 5 instances of Number 1 ranked Test teams suffering humiliating losses in subsequent series

Indian team
A forlorn Indian team after the series drubbing

#5 Australia 2016

Sri Lanka
A jubiliant Sri Lanka team after trouncing Australia 2-0

Australia have always struggled in Asian conditions, and once again the number 1 team have been humiliated in Sri Lanka, as they have been found wanting against spin and the turning ball has exposed all frailties'.

Australia came into the tournament as clear favourites and they justified this label during the first innings as they bundled out Sri Lanka for 117 runs. However, the Australian batsmen could not take advantage of this situation and they were dismissed for 203 runs.

The Sri Lankans batted way better in their second innings and set Australia a very imposing target of 268 runs on a weary pitch.

Rangana Herath stepped up and accounted for 5 wickets and he was ably supported by debutant Lakshan Sandakan who picked up 3 wickets. The Australians crumbled for 161 runs and Sri Lanka scripted a memorable 106 runs victory.

The second test was even more appalling for the Australians as they were left fumbling for answers on a turning Galle pitch and were shot out in just over 3 days and thus Sri Lanka won the match by a thumping margin of 229 runs.

With this loss, Australia have been stripped of their number one status.

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