ODI centuries by Indian players in and against Australia

Rohit Sharma played a marvellous innings of unbeaten 171 runs in 1st ODI game against Australia but ended on the losing side. This is not the first time that an Indian player has struck a century against Aussies in their homeland and could not see their team winning the day.Rohit Sharma’s 171* was the 50th century for any player and 8th for Indian players against Australia in Australia, and overall there are 40 players including six Indians who have achieved this feat.The first one was David Gower from England who scored 101* at Melbourne on 4 Feb 1979. England has most such innings with 13 followed closely by 12 centuries from Carribean players. Indian players have made 8 centuries. Of the 50 innings of 100 plus vs Australia in Australia, almost half (23) have been able to secure a successful place for their team; 27 Innings went in vain. However, when it comes to India, only one-fourth (2/8) of their centuries have translated the match into a success while all others ended on a sad note.Now let us take a look at seven centuries made by Indian players (before Rohit's 171*) in Australia playing against Australia in the chronological order irrespective of the result.

#1 Sourav Ganguly 100 on 12 Jan 2000 at MCG

Ganguly’s century started an unwanted trend

Carlton & United Series, 3rd Match: Australia v India at Melbourne, Jan 12, 2000

Exactly 16 years ago from Rohit’s 171*, Sourav Ganguly struck a hundred which went in vain. It was the first century by any Indian player in and against Aussies.

Australia batting first was powered to 269-7, courtesy of almost run-a-ball 115 from Ponting. Sourav Ganguly came in as an opener and made 100 before he was run out. India scored 241-6 and lost the match by 28 runs. Ponting was the Man of the Match.

#2 VVS Laxman 103* on 18 Jan 2004 at Brisbane

Laxman's was the first ton that didn't end in defeat

VB Series, 5th Match: Australia v India at Brisbane, Jan 18, 2004

This was the series which made every Australian fan remember VVS Laxman for a long time. He made two centuries in this series- the only Indian player to do so in an ODI series in Australia and against Australia.VVS Laxman came in to bat on no. 3 and built huge partnerships first with Sachin Tendulkar and then with Dravid. India embarking on Laxman’s 103 gave Australia 304 to chase. Though Mathew Hayden replied strongly with a 109 runs innings and Michael Bevan was on the crease till the very end, Australia lost the match by 19 runs.It was one of the only two instances when an Indian ODI century did not go in vain in. VVS Laxman was adjudged man of the match.

#3 Laxman\'s 106 and Yuvraj 139 on 22 Jan 2004 at Sydney

Despite having two centurions, India lost

VB Series, 7th Match: Australia v India at Sydney, Jan 22, 2004

4 days later, India again faced Australia in their next match. Once again India was batting first. Once more Laxman crossed three figures. But there were two differences- one in favor of India, the other adverse to India. Yuvraj Singh also made a century in this match, yet India lost the match.Yuvraj Singh and VVS Laxman joined hands when India were 80-3 and made a 213 runs partnership. India made 296 in their 50 overs. After rain suspended the play, the target was reduced to 225 from 34 overs. Gilchrist played a quick knock of 95 runs and Australia won the match by 2 wickets on 2nd last ball of the game in a very close finish.Yuvraj Singh was adjudged the Man of the Match.

#4 Gambhir 113 on 24 Feb 2008 at Sydney

Gambhir's efforts went in vain

Commonwealth Bank Series, 10th Match: Australia v India at Sydney, Feb 24, 2008

Four years later, another Indian player made a century and it also was just not enough. Gautam Gambhir was the man this time. Ricky Ponting made 124 while Australia put on a mammoth total of 317-7.India in reply lost early wickets and were 51-4 when Dhoni came to the crease with Gautam Gambhir. A 98-run partnership between these two brought some stability. Gambhir made 113 runs and departed with 102 runs still required. Uthappa, Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan made some valuable contributions.However, it wasn't enough as India failed in their pursuit of the target and lost the match by 18 runs. Ponting was awarded the man of the match.

#5 Sachin Tendulkar 117* on 2 March 2008 at Sydney

Sachin's century helped India claim the CB series

Commonwealth Bank Series, 1st Final: Australia v India at Sydney, Mar 2, 2008

Sachin Tendulkar may be known for his centuries ending on a losing note. Some exaggerate their claim by saying, "whenever Sachin Tendulkar makes a century India loses". That is not entirely untrue, though, but in this list, Sachin stands out.He just made one century against Australia in their country and that too in the winning cause. Australia made 239 runs in first innings courtesy to well made 82 runs by Mathew Hayden. Sachin in reply played a sensible yet quick innings and saw his team home himself in under 46 overs; He remained unbeaten on 117.Rohit Sharma played a decisive supporting role by making 66 runs in the middle order. India went on to win the next final as well and took the series. This man gets MoM awards even when India loses; so this time, they won, it was no surprise to see him getting a well-deserved MoM award.

#6 Rohit Sharma 138 on 18 Jan 2015 at MCG

Rohit was overshadowed by the Australian batsmen

Carlton Mid One-Day International Tri-Series, 2nd Match: Australia v India at Melbourne, Jan 18, 2015

The last in the list (excluding Rohit’s 171*) also belongs to Rohit Sharma and it was made exactly 359 days before this one i.e. less than a year before. Rohit Sharma opened the batting this time and made 138 runs off 139 balls.His innings featured 4 towering sixes apart from 9 fours. No other player except Raina (51) could go past teens. Extras were the third top scorer with 20 runs. Chasing 268 set by India, almost every batsman made handy contributions with Aaron Finch leading the battalion with 96 runs.With an over to go, Australia made light of the target and chased it down. Mitchell Starc for his 6 wickets was Man of the Match.