Despite being rated lowly in the run - up to the first cricket Test against India, Australia skipper Steve Smith, whose defiant ton helped the visitors thrash the hosts by 333 runs and end their 19 - match unbeaten run, is overwhelmed to register their first win in the sub - continent after a gap of 13 long years.
Rating his patient 109 off 202 balls in the second innings, on top of his 18 Test hundreds, Smith said getting a 1 - 0 lead in the four - Test series is something massive.
"Thought it was going to be hardwork.
I'm proud of the way the guys played.
Winning the toss was a bonus, good plans in place.
It's been 4502 days since Australia won a Test in India, I know it to the day, " Smith said in the post - match presentation ceremony.
"A massive lead in this wicket.
We've got some good players of spin and good spinners. "
Hailing his left - arm spinner Steve O'Keefe, who returned with a career - best match haul of 12/70 to help Australia dismiss India for 105 and 107, the 27 - year - old Smith said: "O'Keefe was outstanding.
When he pulled his length back slightly (O'Keefe), it felt he'd get a wicket every ball.
You need to have some luck on a wicket like that.
It took a lot of grit and determination. "
Australia coach Darren Lehmann, who was himself a great exponent of taking on the spinners head - on during his playing days, is impressed with the way his wards performed in the Test.
"Great result, really impressed with our batting.
It's a challenge for both sides.
We learned some lessons from Sri Lanka, " he said.
Lehmann, however, cautioned his side that the hosts will bounce back hard in the second Test and it will be a challenge for the Kangaroos.
"A challenge to replicate that in Bengaluru.
We spoke about good defence and take on the game when you can, " he said.
Playing his first Test in the sub - continent, the 32 - year - old O'Keefe, who returned with identical figures of 6/35 in each inning, was deservingly named the Man of the Match.
"The first innings was a bit of blur.
The ball tended to skid on more than spin so it exposed the stumps and the leg before wicket, " O'Keefe said.
"My first six wickets was ordinary, I had to change it up quickly.
Our batters worked really hard not to get beaten on one edge, " he added.
Both the sides will now face off in the second Test, starting on March 4 in Bengaluru.