The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is one of cricket’s most iconic venues, boasting a seating capacity of more than 45,000. Each year, it is the host of the highly anticipated New Year’s Test in Australia.
This historic ground has been the backdrop to numerous high-stakes encounters in One Day International cricket, including the semi-finals of the 1992 and 2015 ICC Cricket World Cups. Sydney is renowned for its batting-friendly conditions, offering a flat pitch that allows batsmen to showcase their shot-making abilities. Unlike the quicker, bouncier pitches in Perth and Brisbane, the SCG provides a more even surface for run-scoring.
5. Sunil Gavaskar – 172 Runs, 1986
During India’s 1985-86 tour of Australia, Sunil Gavaskar produced a remarkable century in the first innings of the New Year’s Test at the SCG. Batting first, Gavaskar’s resolute knock of 172 runs off 400 balls, which included 19 boundaries, helped India reach a strong 600/4. His performance was the highest individual score in the match, contributing significantly to India’s commanding position. The match ended in a draw.
4. VVS Laxman – 178 Runs, 2004
In the 2003-04 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, VVS Laxman delivered a scintillating 178-run innings in the first innings of the fourth Test at the SCG. Laxman’s knock, which spanned 298 balls and featured 30 boundaries, was pivotal in helping India post a mammoth total of 705 runs. Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar shared a 353-run partnership, putting India firmly on top. Despite this, the match ended in a draw.
3. Cheteshwar Pujara – 193 Runs, 2019
Cheteshwar Pujara was the standout performer in the Sydney Test of the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring a gritty 193 runs in the first innings. His knock of 193 runs off 373 balls, including 22 boundaries, played a key role in India amassing 622 runs. However, rain delays on days 4 and 5 prevented India from securing a victory, but the drawn match ensured that India clinched their first-ever Test series win in Australia, with a 2-1 result.
2. Ravi Shastri – 206 Runs, 1992
In the 1992 Sydney Test, Ravi Shastri impressed with a commanding 206-run knock in India’s first innings. After dismissing Australia for 313, Shastri’s contribution helped India reach 483 runs. His innings, which included 17 fours and two sixes, was pivotal in India’s fightback. Shastri’s 196-run partnership with Sachin Tendulkar for the fifth wicket further solidified India’s position. The match ended in a draw, and Shastri was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
1. Sachin Tendulkar – 241 Runs, 2004
Sachin Tendulkar etched his name in history with the highest-ever Test score by an Indian at the SCG in 2004, scoring a masterful 241* runs in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His marathon knock, which spanned 436 balls and included 33 boundaries, was a major factor in India’s 705-run total. The match ultimately ended in a thrilling draw, and Tendulkar was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-winning performance.
