The historic moment came in Perth against Australia in the third Test match of the 2007–08 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. On the second day of the match, Kumble completed his 600th wicket by dismissing the fearsome batsman Andrew Symonds for 66 runs in Australia’s first innings. The ball fell to a good length with sudden spin and bounce, Symonds took an edge as he played the cut shot and was caught by Rahul Dravid at first slip through wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s gloves.

As soon as the umpire gave out, Kumble looked at the sky and expressed his emotions. Teammates Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly all hugged and congratulated him. Kumble later picked up the ball and received a standing ovation from the crowd at Perth’s traditional Waka Stadium.

This Test match is regarded as one of India’s best overseas victories. On a fast and bouncy pitch, Kumble led the pacers brilliantly. He played an important role in the team’s victory by bowling 2/42 and 2/98 in two innings. It was the biggest achievement of his short but successful captaincy.