India have succumbed to the dreaded M factor

Although Australia have lost three of the last four Test series, comprising three or more matches in India, four different batsmen with their first name beginning with M have the distinction of topping the batting averages. The first two players have retired while the last two are very much part of the current touring squad. Read on for details:

Mark Waugh, 1997-98



India won the three-match series 2-1. Middle-order batsman Mark Waugh made 280 runs with the help of a century and a fifty at an average of 70.00. In the first Test at Chennai, he made patient 66 in three hours which went in vain. However, his unbeaten 153 helped Australia register an eight-wicket triumph in Bangalore.

Matthew Hayden, 2000-01



India clinched the rubber 2-1. India lost the first match by 10 wickets but went on to clinch the next two games, which also included the historic comeback at Kolkata. Opening batsman Matthew Hayden was the star for the visitors scoring, 549 runs with the help of two tons and as many fifties at a splendid average of 109.80. His scoring sequence was 119, 28*, 97, 67, 203 and 35.
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Michael Clarke, 2004-05



Australia won the four-match series 2-1. Playing in his maiden Test series, Michael Clarke made
a handsome contribution of 400 runs including a hundred on debut (151) at Bangalore and two fifties (91 & 73) at Nagpur ufffd matches that Australia won . He averaged 57.14 and hit 49 fours and seven sixes. His superb track record has helped him graduate to the vice captain level for the current series.


Michael Hussey, 2008-09



The four-Test series went India's way 2-0. The left-handed middle order batsman was the star performer for Australia in the series scoring 394 runs with the help of a century and three fifties at an average of 56.28u00a0 Hussey, fresh from Chennai Super Kings' victory in the just-concluded Champions League in South Africa, will be a hard man to dislodge.