Australia endured their first-ever Test defeat at the Optus Stadium in Perth during the series opener, losing by a massive 295 runs as Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli delivered stellar performances for India. However, the hosts bounced back emphatically in the second Test at Adelaide, clinching the day-night contest by 10 wickets. Mitchell …
Australia vs India: When Team India breached ‘Australia’s Fortress Gabba’ in 2021
Australia endured their first-ever Test defeat at the Optus Stadium in Perth during the series opener, losing by a massive 295 runs as Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli delivered stellar performances for India. However, the hosts bounced back emphatically in the second Test at Adelaide, clinching the day-night contest by 10 wickets. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Scott Boland combined to take all 20 Indian wickets, while Travis Head’s explosive century powered Australia’s resurgence. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, currently level at 1-1, now shifts to the Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, a venue where India has fond memories of their historic 2021 triumph.
WHAT HAPPENED AT GABBA IN 2021?
India’s last outing at The Gabba was the fourth Test of the 2020-21 series, a match that epitomized resilience and team spirit. Chasing 328 runs on the final day, India defied the odds to clinch the series 2-1. Despite losing key players to injuries and the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli, the team showcased incredible depth and determination.
Shubman Gill’s fluent 91 and Cheteshwar Pujara’s gritty 56 laid the groundwork. Pujara endured multiple body blows to anchor the innings, while Rishabh Pant played the defining knock, scoring an unbeaten 89 in a counterattacking display. His composed finish against Australia’s formidable bowling attack sealed the victory, etching his name in cricketing folklore.
Australia had not lost at The Gabba since 1988, a record spanning 31 matches. The Gabba’s reputation as a stronghold, coupled with a challenging pitch, made India’s chase all the more remarkable. Contributions from Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur in the first innings further highlighted India’s depth, as the duo added crucial runs to keep the visitors in the game.
The match wasn’t just about Pant’s heroics-it was a collective effort. Mohammed Siraj emerged as a key bowler, taking five wickets in Australia’s second innings, while the young brigade stepped up in the absence of experienced players.
While India’s overall record at The Gabba remains underwhelming, with just one win in seven matches, the memory of their last visit will fuel their determination. Australia, on the other hand, will aim to reclaim their dominance at the venue, knowing the stakes are higher than ever.
The stage is set for another riveting contest in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a series known for producing dramatic narratives. Can India recreate their Gabba magic, or will Australia reassert their supremacy? With both teams showing flashes of brilliance, cricket lovers are bracing for an unforgettable encounter.
