The Australian cricket team toured India in the 1984–85 season to play a five-match one day international series against India. The series was to help celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Ranji Trophy.
Australia won the series 3–0 with two matches abandoned for rain. It was Australia's first ever victory in a one-day series on the subcontinent, and especially notable considering India had just won the 1983 Cricket World Cup. It was the only time Kim Hughes captained Australia to a series victory overseas.
Australian squad Australia had just lost a test series against the West Indies 3–0. The tour was relatively last minute with the Indian Cricket Board not requesting a team until June 1984.
The original squad was selected by a brand-new selection panel, Lawrie Sawle, Greg Chappell and Rick McCosker. It was as follows: Batsmen – Kim Hughes (captain), Allan Border (vice captain), Kepler Wessels, Graeme Wood, Steve Smith, Graham Yallop, Greg Ritchie Fastbowlers – Geoff Lawson, Carl Rackemann, John Maguire, Rodney Hogg Spinners – Tom Hogan, Murray Bennett Wicketkeepers – Wayne B. Phillips Manager – Bob Merriman Australia's selectors would be Hughes, Border and Rodney Hogg.Mike Coward, 'Little rest for the tourists', Sydney Morning Herald, 28 September 1984 accessed 22 July 2012
Surprise omissions from the tour were David Hookes and Greg Matthews. They were also excluded from a 16-person list of cricketers to be offered playing contracts by the ACB.
ODI series Sunil Gavaskar was reinstated as captain of India following a series of defeats under Kapil Dev.
1st ODI
2nd ODI
3rd ODI
4th ODI
5th ODI
Tour Game Tour Match: Mumbai vs. Australia
Mike Coward, who covered the tour, wrote that the series victory "was a triumph for [Kim] Hughes who meticulously planned each of the matches and ensured that this young team played the limited-over game at a more sophisticated level."Mike Coward, "Aussie Power in India", Sydney Morning Herald, 7 October 1984 accessed 22 July 2012 Rodney Hogg returned early due to bronchitis.Mike Coward, 'Hughes Tourists Privy to Priceless Piece of History', Sydney Morning Herald 10 October 1984 accessed 22 July 2012
South African Rebel Tours On the way back from the tour, several Australian players met up with representatives of the South African Cricket Board in Singapore. This led to the South African rebel tours.Australian cricket team in India in 1984-85 at Wisden
References
External links Australian cricket team in India in 1984-85 at ESPNcricinfo Australian cricket team in India in 1984-85 at CricketArchive