India has ended Australia's 16 Test match winning streak with a stunning upset at the WACA ground in Perth.

The tourists won by 72 runs but for only got that close thanks to some lusty blows from the fearless Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson.

The tailenders were given the taks of saving the day after their colleagues further up the order were embarrasingly routed by India's attack.

Only Michael Clarke got close to a century with 81.

Australia's winning run of 16 Tests, dating back to December 2005, came to a close when Stuart TGait was clean bowled for 4.

It was India who in 2001 broke the winning run of 16 set by Steve Waugh's side and it was India who also was the last team to beat Australia in their backyard, back in December 2003.

Clarke and Gilchrist took the score from 5-177 to 227 and the target to under 200. Johnson and Stuart Clark got the margin to under 100, but with 87 to get, Australia's unlucky number, Clark was caught behind for 32.

It was India's fifth win since first touring Australia 60 years ago and the first in Perth, having not played there since 1992.

Ponting's side had not been beaten since England won at Trent Bridge in August 2005.

AAP