IND vs AUS: Top 5 leading run-scorers for India in Tests against Australia

The two cricketing powerhouses India and Australia are all set to cross swords in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting just after two days with the first Test. Both teams will lock horns in the Test series opener at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. Prior to the commencement, a lot of cricket experts, former cricketers, and fans are being a part of a big build-up before this much-anticipated series.

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Apart from that, speaking from the point of view of the hosts India, they ought to win this series by a big margin of either 3-0 or 3-1  to secure their place in the Final of the World Test Championship 2021-2023. Apart from their bowling lineup, Rohit Sharma’s men would be relying more on the batting order which is one of the strongest batting lineups in modern cricketing times. Earlier in the previous clashes of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, there had been the Indian batting greats who produced some iconic performances that would be remembered for years to come.

With said that, here we’ll have a look at the top five leading run-scorers for India in the Tests against Australia. The list also includes the name of a batter who is also a part of the current Indian squad.

Sachin Tendulkar (3630 runs)

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The former legendary Indian batter and an ever-time cricketing great Sachin Tendulkar is still an undisputed batting superstar in the Test clashes between India and Australia. Notably, he is the highest-run scorer even in the Test clashes between India and the Aussies. Tendulkar scored 3630 runs in Tests against Australia with an amazing batting average of 55.

Apart from this, he smashed 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries against the Australian that used to dominate Test cricket for almost a decade. Even after 9 years of his retirement from international cricket, the 48-year-old still holds the record of the highest run scorer for India in the longest format against Australia.

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VVS Laxman (2434 runs)

The former Hyderabad batting great VVS Laxman was undoubtedly one of the most remarkable batters who ever played Test cricket for India. Apart from his celebrated career in the traditional format of the game, Laxman is also still remembered for his iconic 281-run stand with Rahul Dravid in the Kolkata Test almost 22 years back in 2001.

In the list of highest run-scorers for India in the Tests against Australia, the current NCA head holds the second spot following the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. He scored 2434 runs with six centuries and five half-centuries.

Rahul Dravid (2143)

The name that precisely defined the essence of true batting intent in Test cricket in India, Rahul Dravid is currently serving as the head coach of the Indian team. The 49-year-old ranks on third spot in this list of leading run-getters in red-ball cricket against Australia. Dravid had some remarkable and unforgettable knocks to his name during his international career.

In 32 Test appearances against the Aussies, the former Karnataka batter scored 2143 runs for India with a decent batting average of 39.68. Apart from that, he also smashed two centuries against Australia and came to occasions when it was all-important for the Indian team.

Cheteshwar Pujara (1893 runs)

The veteran Saurashtra batter is the only batter of the current India squad who features in the list of top run-scorers for India in Tests against Australia. He is in the fourth spot following his number 3 predecessor Rahul Dravid.

The current Test specialist of India has scored 1893 runs in 37 innings so far with an outstanding average of 54.08, which is the second highest of any Indian batter after the veteran of 51 Test centuries, Sachin Tendulkar.

The 35-year-old has also smashed five centuries and ten half-centuries on his credit against the mighty Australians.

Virender Sehwag (1738 runs)

The only Indian batter to score triple tons in Tests two times, former blistering batter Virender Sehwag was known for his amazing and unique batting approach even in a pressure situation. He is among the list of batters who dropped a major impact for India Test clashes against Australia.

Sehwag scored 1738 runs with an average of 41.38 in 22 appearances against Australia. On the back of his aggressive batting intent, Sehwag had three tons and nine half-centuries to his name against Australia so far.