Former Australia leg-spinner Stuart MacGill felt India's performance here in 2003-04 when Sourav Ganguly's men squared the four-Test series at one win apiece was thanks to docile pitches. MacGill, who played all four Tests of that series, finished with a haul of 14 wickets.


Got him: Stuart MacGill celebrates the wicket of VVS Laxman during
the Melbourne Test in 2003. Pic/Getty Images

The likes of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman consider that tour as India's finest showing overseas. Australia, at the time, were the undisputed champions, though they fielded a side minus Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne But, MacGill felt it was "ridiculous" for Australia to play on slow and low pitches that helped the visiting Indians.
MacGill, who recently came out of retirement to play the Big Bash T20 League, visited his beloved Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) yesterday to watch Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke pummel the Indian bowlers on Day Two of the ongoing second Test match.

Excerpts from an interview:
How does it feel to be back at the ground where you took 53 wickets from eight Tests at 24.00?
You know, part of the reason for me to play T20 again is the motivation to play at the SCG. The minute I knew there was a team from Sydney, I told myself I could do it. When I came back here, my family was there to watch me. My children don't even remember me playing. I am a much better player than a spectator. I was getting bored just watching games. When I look down there, I still want to bowl. I would happily play for India (laughs), I don't care. I am really enjoying playing again. It's given me a whole new lease of life.