Factfile on the first Test between Australia and India starting at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday:
First Test – Melbourne Cricket Ground, December 26-30
India are bidding to win their first-ever series Down Under.
India have toured Australia nine times. On the last tour in 2007-2008 they lost 2-1.
In 36 Tests in Australia, the home team have won 22 with India winning five and nine drawn.
MCG head-to-head record: Played 10. Australia won 7, India 2, drawn 1.
In Australia:
Highest scores: Australia 674 (1947-48); India 705 for 7 (2003-04)
Lowest completed scores: Australia 83 (1980-81); India 58 (1947-48)
Biggest wins: Australia innings and 226 runs (1947-48), Australia 337 runs (2007-08); India innings and two runs (1977-78), India 222 runs (1977-78)
Highest individual score: Ricky Ponting (AUS) 257 (2003-04); Sachin Tendulkar (IND) 241 not out (2003-04).
Best bowling (innings): Mike Whitney (AUS) 7-27 (1991-92); Kapil Dev (IND) 8-106 (1985-86).
Highest partnership: Steve Waugh-Ricky Ponting (AUS) 239 5th wkt (1999-2000); Sachin Tendulkar-V.V.S. Laxman (IND) 353 4th wkt (2003-04).
