Australia Clinches First Test Series After Losing the Opening Game Since 1997

Australia emerged victorious in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, defeating India by six wickets in a gripping encounter at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). This victory marked a historic moment, as Australia reclaimed the coveted trophy after nearly a decade and secured their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Historic Context

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been fiercely contested over the years. India had dominated the series since 2014-15, clinching consecutive victories in four bilateral contests. This year’s win marked Australia’s return to glory in a rivalry that has produced some of cricket’s most memorable moments.

Key Stats from the Series

Australia’s ability to bounce back after losing the first match showcased their resilience. This was the first time since 1997 that they overturned a 0-1 deficit to win a series, demonstrating their dominance and tactical brilliance.

With this victory, Australia holds series titles against every major Test-playing nation, a feat achieved only six times in cricket history. This accomplishment underscores their stature as one of the most formidable teams in Test cricket.

Australia last series result vs all teams

The SCG Showdown

The match lasted just 1141 balls, making it the shortest Test at the SCG since 1896. The pitch, which offered significant assistance to bowlers, played a crucial role in the swift conclusion.

Scott Boland’s performance was nothing short of sensational. His 10-wicket haul at the SCG made him only the second Australian pacer since 1900 to achieve such a feat. Boland’s ability to draw false shots, with a staggering 44.1% false shot percentage, was pivotal in dismantling India’s batting lineup.

Boland’s 21 wickets at an average of 13.19 rank as the joint second-highest for a seam bowler coming in as a back-up in a series where he played three or fewer Tests. Duanne Olivier tops the list with 24 wickets against Pakistan in 2018/19, followed by Buster Nupen’s 21 wickets against England in 1930/31.

Highest false shot % by a bowler in a Test (20+ overs)

Jasprit Bumrah’s Stellar Series

Jasprit Bumrah’s 32 wickets in the series placed him alongside legends like Kapil Dev and Harbhajan Singh. However, his absence during the final innings due to back spasms was a significant blow to India, as they missed their spearhead in the critical moments.

Most wickets by an Indian seamer in a Test series

Since 2000, there have been three instances where India has been bowled out for fewer than 200 runs in each innings of a Test match twice in a series. In this series, they were dismissed for 180 and 175 in Adelaide, and for 185 and 157 in Sydney. The other occurrences were in England in 2014 and in New Zealand during the 2002/03 season.

In the 2024/25 season, India lost three Tests in a series twice—once to New Zealand and once to Australia. The last time India lost three Tests in successive series was in 1976/77, when they lost 1-3 to England at home, and in 1977/78, when they lost 2-3 in Australia.

With this victory, Australia cemented their position in the WTC final, where they will face South Africa. The win not only showcased their dominance but also set the stage for an epic clash at Lord’s.