The Indian cricket team toured Australia from 24 November 2014 to 10 January 2015. The tour consisted of two tour matches and four Test matches. The first Test was originally scheduled on 4 December in Brisbane, but it was postponed because of the death of Phillip Hughes. Instead, Adelaide hosted the first Test from 9 December and the Brisbane hosted the second Test from 17 December. Following the draw in the third Test, Indian captain MS Dhoni announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. After the draw in the final Test in Sydney, Australia won the series 2–0. Following the Test matches, Australia and India participated in the Carlton Mid Triangular Series with the England cricket team.
Background
India had recently lost a Test series against England in England 3–1, while Australia lost a Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates 2–0.
Squads
Indian selectors selected a 19-man squad for the Test series. Naman Ojha was included as the backup for Wriddhiman Saha in the first Test. MS Dhoni was not part of the team in the first Adelaide Test due to an injury. Therefore, Virat Kohli captained India in the first Test. Dhawal Kulkarni was asked to join India's Test squad as cover for the injured Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was suffering from an ankle injury. Indian captain MS Dhoni announced his retirement after the conclusion of the Melbourne Test, with Kohli leading the team in the fourth Test as well.
On the other hand, the Australian selectors selected 13 members for the first Test. Australian Test captain Michael Clarke had to pass a fitness test before appearing in the first Test match at Adelaide. Shaun Marsh was added to the Australian squad as cover for Michael Clarke. But Clarke had taken no further part in the series after injuring his right hamstring. Thereby, Steve Smith was selected as standby captain for the 2nd to 4th Tests ahead of vice captain Brad Haddin. Queenslander Joe Burns replaced an injured Mitchell Marsh for the Boxing Day Test. Ashton Agar was added to the squad for the last Test.
Tour series
Test series
Trophy background
Entering the series, India held the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after winning the 2012–13 series 4–0. Australia won the previous series at home, (2011–12) also 4–0.
Decision Review System (DRS) The series was played without the players having access to the decision review system (DRS) also known as UDRS. The DRS could be used in any Test series at the agreement of both participating cricket boards, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India opposed its use in this series. Umpires could still initiate reviews to the third umpire for run out, stumping and no ball decisions. Before the first Test, India captain Virat Kohli stated that the system had to be "100% perfect".
1st Test
Australia won the toss and chose to bat on a wicket which some commentators suggesting the flattest ever at the Adelaide Oval. David Warner made a blistering start with the score at 0/40 after 4 overs. But Chris Rogers (9) fell shortly after from an edge to Shikhar Dhawan bowled by Ishant Sharma. Shane Watson (14) also fell to Dhawan via an edge. Michael Clarke steadied the innings while Warner scored his 10th century off 106 balls. Clarke (60) eventually retired hurt after a back injury. Karn Sharma took his first Test wicket after David Warner (145) holed out. Australia lost late wickets in the last session, losing 4 wickets to end the day at 6/354 after at one stage being 3/345. Brad Haddin (0) was dismissed on the last ball of the day.
Michael Clarke returned to the crease at the start of Day 2 with a back brace, and put on a 51-run partnership with Steve Smith, before a rain delay left Smith stranded just 2 runs short of a century. The rain consistently fell and lunch was taken early. The players returned after lunch and Smith brought up his century in the first ball. Play was delayed once again just 2 overs later. Play resumed again and Clarke reached his own century as the pair quickly added another 50 before yet another rain delay. Play continued and more quick runs were added as Smith reached 150. Clarke then was dismissed by Karn Sharma for 128 and stumps were called just one over later because of bad light. Shami, Aaron and Karn Sharma took two wickets each.