India end Australia win streak in Perth

India brought an end to Australia’s 16-match winning streak and any chance they had of setting a new world Test record as India registered victory by 70 runs in Perth. It was Australia’s first defeat at the WACA for 11 years while it was the team’s first loss in Tests since going down to England at Trent Bridge two and a half years ago.

Although India, 2-1 down with one match remaining, have missed their chance of a maiden Test series win having lost the first two matches in Melbourne and Sydney, they could at least emulate their drawn series in Australia of 2003-04. Here, Australia were chasing 413 for victory, which would have been the second-highest run chase in Test history, but they were dismissed for 340.

Their victory charge appeared to end much earlier than it eventually did when on 253-8 but an unbeaten 50 from number nine batsman Mitchell Johnson and 32 from number ten Stuart Clark extended the game somewhat. Michael Clarke top scored with 81, while the wickets were shared though the recalled Irfan Pathan was the pick with his 3-54.

India captain Anil Kumble said afterwards the win was his greatest victory in 18 years of Test cricket, since he made his debut in England in 1990. It would have been all the more satisfying for Kumble after the controversies from the second Test in Sydney.

“The most important thing - after what had happened in Sydney - was to play good cricket. We wanted to show that the Indian cricket team is a good Test unit. Even in Sydney, we put in a good effort but didn't get the result that we wanted. What's heartening is that we've shown that in what's regarded as the home turf for Australia.”

The teams meet next in Adelaide, starting January 24.