Top 5 highest partnerships by India for 8th wicket in test cricket in Australia

The record for the highest partnership for the 8th wicket in Australia in test cricket belongs to Nathan Astle and Adam Parore.

Test cricket is regarded as the toughest format of the game. Known for testing the grit and determination of the batters, runs are hard-earned in the longest form of the game.

The challenge of scoring becomes even tougher against Australia. Having had some of the greatest bowlers of all time, the Australian bowling attack is known for their knack of rolling through opposition’s batting order at home.

Despite the challenge, India’s tail-end batters have sometimes defied odds to build remarkable partnerships. In this article, we will take a look at the top five highest partnerships for India in Australia for the eighth wicket in test cricket.

Top five highest partnerships for India in Australia for the eighth wicket in test cricket:

5. Mansur Pataudi and Rusi Surti – 74, Melbourne, 1967

Former Indian captain Mansur Pataudi and Rusi Surti put on a 74-run partnership for the eighth wicket in the first innings of the Melbourne test in 1967.

Coming together with India in a dire situation at 72/7, the duo helped the visitors reach 173 in the first innings. Pataudi top-scored with 75 runs, while Rusi Surti contributed 30 runs. India ultimately lost the test by an innings and four runs.

4. Sunil Gavaskar and Roger Binny – 76, Adelaide, 1985

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar stitched a 76-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Roger Binny in the first test of India’s tour of Australia in 1985 at Adelaide. Replying to Australia’s 381, India were 333/7 when Gavaskar and Binny joined forces.

Gavaskar played a brilliant 166-run knock, while Binny contributed 38 runs, helping India reach 520. The game ended in a draw and Kapil Dev was named Player of the Match for his eight wickets and 38 runs in the game.

3. Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble – 107, Adelaide, 2008

Spin twins Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble led India’s fightback in the first innings of the Adelaide test in 2008. Reduced to 359/7, the duo added 107 runs, helping India reach 526.

The game ended in a draw, with Australia scoring 563 in their first innings and India finishing with 269/7 on the last day. Sachin Tendulkar was named Player of the Match for his 153 runs in the game.

2. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar – 127, Melbourne, 2024

Indian all-round duo Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar posted a memorable partnership of 127 runs for the eighth wicket in the Boxing Day test 2024 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The duo helped India recover from 221/7, bringing them close to 350 in reply to Australia’s 474-run total in the first innings. Sundar contributed with 50 runs, while Nitish scored his maiden test century.

1. Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh – 129 runs, Sydney, 2008

Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh hold the record for the highest 8th wicket partnership by an Indian pair in test cricket in Australia. The duo stitched a memorable 129-run partnership during the second test match in Sydney of the 2007/08 tour.

Relying to Australia’s 463 runs in the first innings, the pair helped India reach 532. Despite taking a first innings lead of more than 50 runs India lost the game by 122 runs on the final day.

(All stats are updated till 28th December 2024)

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