The fourth and final Test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy was set for a perfect climax as Australia and India were aiming for a victory. The equation for Australia was to maintain a dominant track record at The Gabba as they have never lost a Test match since 1988.
On the other end of the spectrum, even a draw for India would have helped them retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. The hosts posted 369 in the first innings with the help of Marnus Labuchagne’s 108 and Tim Paine’s 50.
T Natarajan, Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur had a dream debut in Brisbane as they took 3 wickets apiece. In reply, India posted 334 where Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar stepped up and delivered the goods even with the bat.
When India lost half of their batting line-up, Thakur and Sundar scored 67 and 62 respectively. Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers for Australia as he took a fifer. As far as second innings is concerned, Indian bowlers bundled out the hosts for 294.
Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur ripped through the defence of Australia’s batting line-up by taking wickets when it mattered the most. Siraj took his first fifer in Test cricket while debutant Thakur ended up taking 4 wickets.
Australia set up a target of 328 for the visitors. India didn’t give up that easily as they fought really hard. Despite losing Rohit Sharma for just 7 runs, Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara set the tone for the team. The duo added a century-plus stand and put the team in a safe zone.
Pujara shows incredible resistance
After Gill departed for a well-made 91, India’s dependable No.3 batsman Cheteshwar Pujara played a substantial role by tackling lethal bouncers and tricky deliveries bowled by Australian pacers. More importantly, it was Pat Cummins who continuously ruffled Pujara’s feathers.
Watch the video below:
During the process, Pujara picked up a series of lusty blows to his body. However, the batsman didn’t lose his focus and went about his business. He went on to score another brilliant half-century where he faced more than 200 balls.
In the wake of a good fifty, Pujara didn’t continue further as he fell prey to Pat Cummins’ bowling. As soon as the new ball was taken, Paine handed the ball to Cummins and the number 1 Test bowler weaved the magic with the ball and mounted pressure on Pujara.
The 32-year-old batsman was dismissed leg before wicket. He departed after making 56 with the help of 7 fours. Netizens took to their respective social media accounts to praise the batsman for his gritty knock.
India retain Border Gavaskar Trophy
After Pujara’s departure, Rishabh Pant played the best innings of his life as he scored an unbeaten 89* with the help of 9 fours and a six. Washington Sundar gave a much-needed lift as he scored 22 off 29 balls including 2 fours and a six.
India successfully retained the Border Gavaskar Trophy by beating Aussies at their fortress by 3 wickets. This is truly the best ever Test series win for India in overseas. They scripted a memorable win without Virat Kohli and other key players.
