In January 2021, India scripted a historic win over Australia in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba in Brisbane. This victory was not just a win; it was a tale of resilience, grit, and remarkable teamwork that made it one of the greatest Test series wins in the history of cricket. India’s triumph at the Gabba ended Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at this iconic venue, adding a new chapter to India’s cricketing legacy.
Background: The 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Series
The 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar series began on a challenging note for India, with the team enduring a crushing defeat in the first Test at Adelaide. India was bowled out for a record-low total of 36 runs in their second innings, leading to a loss by eight wickets. To add to their woes, regular captain Virat Kohli returned to India on paternity leave, and several key players suffered injuries. Facing an uphill battle, many doubted whether India could recover, let alone challenge the Australian team in their home conditions.
Despite these setbacks, Ajinkya Rahane, who took over the captaincy, inspired the team to a remarkable turnaround, leading to a series-levelling win in Melbourne. A resilient draw in Sydney further kept the series alive, setting up the deciding Test match at the Gabba.
The Build-Up to the Gabba Test
The Gabba, also known as Australia’s “fortress,” had been a stronghold for the Australian cricket team, with their last loss at this venue dating back to 1988. The pitch traditionally offers pace and bounce, suiting Australia’s strong bowling attack. India’s squad for the Gabba Test was severely depleted, with injuries ruling out several key players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin. This left the Indian team with a relatively inexperienced bowling lineup and made the task of challenging Australia’s bowling formidable.
The Gabba Test: Day-by-Day Summary
Day 1: Australia’s Strong Start
Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. The Indian bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj and debutant T. Natarajan, showed great discipline in containing the Australian batsmen, but a series of well-crafted partnerships saw Australia post a solid first innings score of 369.
Day 2: India’s Response
India’s response began with cautious optimism, but they soon found themselves under pressure as Australia’s bowlers exploited the conditions well. Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara played resilient knocks, and Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur put on a crucial lower-order partnership to take India’s score to 336, keeping them within reach of Australia.
Day 3: Australia Builds the Lead
In the second innings, Australia batted aggressively, seeking to set a challenging target for India. Contributions from Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Green allowed Australia to declare at 294/10, setting India a daunting target of 328 to win with more than a day left.
Day 4: India’s Fightback Begins
The Indian batsmen approached the chase with grit and determination, beginning with a positive start from Shubman Gill. He displayed fearless stroke-play against the formidable Australian bowlers, scoring a well-crafted 91 before being dismissed. Pujara anchored the innings, absorbing blows from the Australian pacers as he continued to stand strong.
In the final session, Rishabh Pant took the charge, displaying an aggressive approach that put pressure back on the Australians. Pant’s audacious batting, combined with Pujara’s resilience and the support of Washington Sundar, saw India inch closer to the target. Finally, with just a few overs left, Pant struck the winning runs, sealing a memorable three-wicket victory for India.
Significance of the Victory
1. End of Australia’s Gabba Fortress
India’s win broke Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba, a feat that no other team had managed since 1988. This historic achievement stands as a testament to India’s skill, determination, and ability to rise above adversity.
2. Emergence of Young Talent
This series showcased the depth of Indian cricket talent, with young players like Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj, and Washington Sundar stepping up in the absence of senior players. Their performances under pressure demonstrated India’s future potential and resilience.
3. A Symbol of Teamwork and Resilience
The Gabba victory was a team effort, with each player contributing to the historic win. Despite injuries and the absence of key players, the team exhibited remarkable character and mental toughness. Ajinkya Rahane’s calm leadership, combined with the efforts of young players and the team’s unyielding spirit, led India to a stunning triumph.
Legacy and Impact of the Gabba Win
The victory at the Gabba has left an indelible mark on the history of Indian cricket. It showed the world that India could compete and succeed in the most challenging conditions, even when facing adversity. This win redefined Indian cricket’s identity, setting new standards of excellence, mental strength, and resilience for future generations.
India’s victory in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar series, culminating in the Gabba win, is celebrated as one of the greatest achievements in Test cricket. It not only marked a significant achievement for Indian cricket but also symbolized the unbreakable spirit of a team that refused to back down. This historic win will be remembered for generations, inspiring cricket fans around the world.
