The Border Gavaskar series in 2020/21 left a lasting impression on India. The Indian cricket team, known as the Men in Blue, mounted a remarkable comeback to achieve a significant victory. As India celebrates its 77th Independence Day on August 15th, let’s revisit this journey.
The first Test at Adelaide was a horror show, with batting scorelines like 4, 9, 2, 0, 4, 0, 8, 4, 0, 4, 1 – a dismal performance. This disastrous display by Indian batters marked one of the most embarrassing losses in the history of Indian Test cricket.
The team that had previously been champions in Australia faced a nightmare, as none of the batters managed to reach double digits. It seemed far from the formidable Giant India. With Virat Kohli’s departure, Rohit Sharma’s absence, and Mohammed Shami’s injury, India appeared to be in a dire situation.
Despite the initial setback, the team’s determination shone through. In a pink-ball Test, Day 3 became a horror show as batters kept coming and going rapidly. Pundits predicted a complete whitewash for the Indian team. After the first Test loss, Brad Haddin, a former Australian player, expressed doubt about India’s chances, while Mark Waugh, a former Aussie captain, anticipated a four-nil series win for Australia.
However, India defied expectations and turned the tide. Debutants Mohammed Siraj and Shubman Gill played a pivotal role in the second Test, stunning the world with their performance. Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive performance in the first innings, limiting Australia to 195 all-out, was followed by a crucial century by Ajinkya Rahane.
His patient knock of 112 changed the game’s dynamics, giving India a lead of 131. India further asserted itself by dismissing Australia for 200 and successfully chasing down a 70-run target, marking one of the most memorable comebacks. Ajinkya Rahane commended the team’s efforts, particularly the debutants Siraj and Gill, for their resilience after the Adelaide loss. The Melbourne victory showed that India was on par with Australia despite the challenges they faced.
India’s Epic Comeback: Defying Odds and Making History in Australia
India experienced a mixture of emotions as Rohit Sharma rejoined the team, but their spirits were dampened when Umesh Yadav was unable to participate in the third Test due to injury. A remarkable escape at SCG was orchestrated by the determined duo of Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin, resembling warriors on the field.
Despite facing challenges, including injuries and limited overs remaining, the duo defiantly held their ground and thwarted the powerful Australian side, salvaging a draw from the clutches of defeat and keeping their series hopes alive.
The subsequent challenge took place at the Gabba, a fortress where Australia hadn’t suffered a Test defeat for over three decades. Tim Paine, the Australian captain, eagerly brought Ashwin to the Gabba, and the Australians lived up to his expectations by posting an impressive 369 in the first innings.
India found themselves in a precarious position at 186/6, but Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar showcased remarkable discipline against top Australian bowlers, guiding India out of trouble with a 123-run partnership for the 7th wicket.
With Bumrah unavailable, Siraj, who had recently lost his father, stepped up as the bowling leader in the fourth Test. He played a pivotal role, securing a five-wicket haul in the second innings as Australia were dismissed for 294. Despite the challenging target of 328, Rishabh Pant and Cheteshwar Pujara led an audacious charge.
Pant’s aggressive approach and Pujara’s steadfast defence propelled India forward. While Pant’s 89-run knock ensured India’s pursuit stayed on course, Pujara’s 56-run contribution in 211 balls prevented any losses. Their partnership of 61 crucial runs proved pivotal.
Although Pujara eventually departed, Pant continued with his aggressive intent, taking calculated risks and partnering with Washington Sundar. Their efforts resulted in a remarkable three-wicket victory that defied all expectations. The events in Australia culminated in a historic triumph that will be remembered for generations to come.
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