One year of Breaching Gabba Fortress

For the Indian cricket team, the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 did not start well. In the first inning of the series opener, the team was completely outscored for 36 runs. The Australians asserted their dominance in the first Test after putting the pressure on the visiting side. In addition to this, India’s skipper and most reliable batter, Virat Kohli, had to leave the team for personal reasons .Following a defeat in the first match, India won the second Test in Melbourne under the captainship of Ajinkya Rahane and drew the third Test in Sydney, which was as good as a win.

All eyes were now on the fourth and final Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, which Australia had not lost at since 1988.As a result of winning the toss, Australia opted to bat first, and Marnus Labuschagne scored a century to help them finish their innings at 369 runs. In reply, India scored 336 runs with Shardul Thakur scoring 67 runs. The Australians built on their 33 run lead to get things going in their favour before Shardul returned for his magic with the ball. India’s first breakthrough came when Shardul dismissed Marcus Harris at a score of 38 runs. Mohammed Siraj finished with a five-wicket haul later in the day. In the second innings, Australia scored 294 runs before being bowled out. It was not going to be easy for India to reach its target of 328 runs in the 4th inning under any circumstances.

Rohit Sharma fell on the final day but Shubhman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara provided some stability to India’s innings. Shubhman missed out on a richly deserved century and got out at 91, while Pujara was dismissed by Cummins at 56. Stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane scored 24 runs before becoming Cummins’ target. It was looking tough for the hosts, but young Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar were not giving up easily. With their team at 265 for 5, they batted watchfully. From a point where victory looked like a distant dream, India was now closer to the victory. While Washington sundar departed for 22 runs, Pant was still standing and delivery another thrilling knock. Required only 3 runs Pant drove Josh Hazelwood to mid-off to bring up winnings runs. This series was one of the most thrilling test series in recent cricketing history.

At the post-match presentation ceremony, Rahane heaped praise on Pujara for the way he fought in the middle despite suffering several blows from Australia’s pacers. Rahane also lauded Indian youngsters for shining at the big stage despite being inexperienced. “It means a lot to us. I don’t know how to describe this, but our boys showed a lot of character and determination after the Adelaide Test. I’m really proud if each individual. The conversation between Pujara and me was that he would bat normal, and I would take it on. Credit to Pujara, the way he handled the pressure was magnificent. Rishabh and Washington were very good at the end. Taking 20 wickets was the key, so we opted for 5 bowlers. Sundar brought the balance in place of Jadeja. The intention was clear to play five bowlers. Siraj played two Tests, Saini just one, so it was inexperienced but the character shown by the bowlers and everyone else was incredible,” the stand-in captain said after the match.