Team India are eyeing history on Day 5 of the Gabba Test as they look to brat the mighty Australian team at the venue after 31 years. India still need 324 runs to win. Ahead of the final day’s play former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has a special message to the Team India players. The Indian team under Ajinkya Rahane has displayed immense grit and spirit to stay alive in the series so far. On Tuesday at The Gabba, the Indian team has a chance to do the unthinkable.
Speaking to Channel Seven, Sunil Gavaskar paid a rich tribute to the players who have toiled hard so far in the series with their performances and have kept their team in the hunt to retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
đź—Ł "What we've witnessed in this series is something extraordinary."
đź—Ł "The resolve, fortitude and reserves of spirit displayed by these players has been inspiring."
A tribute to India, from Sunil Gavaskar #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/WUjW1ZPNN2
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 17, 2021
“It doesn’t matter what happens here at the Gabba… We Indians can and will be truly proud of our cricketers. I have led Indian teams on tours of Australia and know first-hand just how challenging it can be. But what we have witnessed in the series is something extraordinary,” Gavaskar said while commentating on Channel Seven.
Sunil Gavaskar further spoke about his experience of leading Indian teams on Australian soil as a captain in his playing days. He is the only Indian commentator to have travelled to Australia for the series. before starting his commentary stint with the channel, the former Indian skipper underwent the mandatory quarantine period himself.
Sunil Gavaskar On Border-Gavaskar Trophy
“…the trophy that was made to honour myself and great Allan Border, a captain who embodied everything we have seen in this series, mental toughness and skill (sic),” he said and then signed off with a stunning narrative: “I know you Australians respect, most of all, in yourselves and in opponents. I know you will always remember what these Indians have achieved here this summer.”
India, after conceding a 33-run first-innings lead, bundled out Australia for 294, with pacers Mohammed Siraj (5/73) and Shardul Thakur (4/61) doing the bulk of the damage.
A draw at The Gabba will mean that India retains the Border-Gavaskar trophy, while for the Australians to regain it, they must win the Test match.
Also Read: Boys Are Excited About Tomorrow: Steve Smith Ahead of Fifth Day’s Play At The Gabba