Awesome in Australia: Tendulkar's masterclass vs Sehwag's salvo

Sachin Tendulkar - 241* & 60* in Sydney, 2004

Match drawn, series drawn 1-1

Sachin Tendulkar's form with the series level 1-1 hadn't been reassuring. His cover driving had caused three dismissals in the first three Tests, and he was determined not to fall for the bait at the SCG. His 241* in the first innings - his highest Test score at the time - was a remarkable example of his discipline and ability to find a way.

Tendulkar did not play the cover drive, even when the Australian bowlers offered easy temptation, and entirely cut out a faulty part of his game. He batted for more than ten hours and helped India amass 705, shutting down Australia's hopes of a series win. His unbeaten 60 off 89 balls in the second innings was compiled with more freedom, as India pushed towards a declaration. However, a setting a target of 443 left them with too little time to take ten wickets and achieve what would have been a historic series win.

Virender Sehwag - 63 & 151 in Adelaide, 2008

Match drawn, India lost the series 2-1

After winning in Perth, India began the final Test in Adelaide 2-1 down and Virender Sehwag gave them a cracking start, his 63 off 90 balls laying the platform for a first-innings total of 526. But Australia responded with 563 and the visitors were under fire to save the game.

Sehwag was in Australia only on his captain Anil Kumble's insistence, and he wasn't known to be a second-innings performer. He ended up batting for nearly six hours, doing un-Sehwag things like going an entire session without a boundary, and scored his 13th century - his first in the second innings of a Test. He went through his gears, ensuring runs came despite wickets falling, to put India's lead well out of Australia's reach. Sehwag finished on 151; the next highest score in India's total of 269 for 7 declared was MS Dhoni's 20.