Scoring runs in Australia is widely regarded as one of the toughest challenges for batters, particularly for those from Asia. The extra pace and bounce on Australian pitches make it difficult to execute straight-batted shots with precision.
This challenge is amplified by Australia’s consistently world-class bowling lineups. From legends like Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, and Shane Warne to modern greats like Pat Cummins and Dennis Lillee, Australian bowlers have always posed a significant threat with their skill and precision.
Despite these hurdles, a few exceptional batsmen have excelled in Australian conditions against the hosts. While some relied on a solid defensive technique to weather the storm, others embraced an aggressive approach to counter the opposition. These contrasting styles have led to memorable performances, showcasing the adaptability and grit required to succeed in one of cricket’s most demanding environments.
5. Sachin Tendulkar – 7
Sachin’s highest individual score against Australia of 241* came in the Sydney test in 2003/04 where he exemplified patience by not hitting a single cover drive boundary during his marathon innings. Sachin’s incredible record down under also consists of 12 half-centuries across formats.
4. Sir Vivian Richards – 7
Legendary West Indies batsman Sir Vivian Richards holds the fourth spot on the list with seven remarkable centuries scored against Australia in their own backyard. Renowned as one of the most intimidating batsmen of his era, Richards consistently dominated bowling attacks with his aggressive and fearless approach. Against Australia in Australia, he amassed a total of 3665 runs across formats at an impressive batting average of 51, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
Among his many stellar performances, Richards’ most iconic innings came in 1984 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where he scored a magnificent 208 off just 245 balls. In that unforgettable knock, he dismantled the Australian bowling attack with masterful strokeplay, showcasing his ability to combine power and elegance. His commanding presence at the crease, coupled with his ability to counter both pace and spin, made him a nightmare for bowlers.
Richards’ dominance in Australian conditions highlighted his adaptability and cricketing genius, standing tall against one of the most formidable teams of his era. His performances not only contributed to West Indies’ dominance during that period but also set a benchmark for excellence in international cricket. To this day, his feats in Australia remain a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
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3. Wally Hammond – 7
One of England’s greatest ever cricketers, Wally Hammond made seven centuries against Australia in Australia. What makes his record unique is the fact that his tally of seven centuries came in just 35 innings at a fantastic batting average of 62.
Hammond’s best innings in Australia came in 1928 at Sydney, where his 251-run knock guided England to a comfortable eight-wicket win.
2. John Hobbs – 9
Having scored a record 61,237 First Class runs and 197 centuries, John Hobbs hit nine centuries against Australia in Australia. England’s Hobbs played 24 games in Australia during a career that spanned 21 years.
He boasts an impressive tally of 2493 runs in 45 innings with an average of 58 in Australia. Hobbs’ most memorable innings Down Under came in 1912 when he played a 187-run knock in Adelaide.
1. Virat Kohli – 10
Virat Kohli has cracked a record 10 centuries in Australia against Australia. After an underwhelming tour of England in 2014, Kohli revived his test career in the memorable Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2014-25, when he was India’s leading run-scorer in the series, smashing four hundreds in four tests. Be it any format of the game, Kohli has loved batting in the Australian conditions and has produced his best over the years.
Kohli has scored a total of 2710 runs in 55 innings against Australia in Australia across formats with a sensational batting average of 54. He has also scored 13 half centuries Down Under.