India have won all 14 home Test series since this 2-1 defeat, making the tourists’ achievement all the more remarkable
When it comes to picking England’s finest Test achievement abroad this century, the initial pull is towards an Australian outlier. Sandwiched in between two ugly whitewashes, a 3-1 away victory 13 years ago remains staggering, each win completed by an innings. Even if the opposition weren’t at their best these were names to put some respect on: Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey, Michael Clarke and Mitchell Johnson. Outside that tour, England’s record in Australia this century is 22 losses, two draws and one win, making those few weeks all the more extraordinary.
But even with the vast outfields that swallow you whole, all-timers in their attack and the presence of Steve Smith, Australia hasn’t been unconquerable in recent years. England’s victory was followed by two series wins for South Africa, and India have had a couple of their own.