And that’s a fourrrrrrrrrr….and a historic win for India!!!!
If the Sydney Test felt sweet for an incredible fightback from Team India, Brisbane’s outcome seems akin to the elixir! A team that was depleted due to multiple injuries turned the seemingly impossible into possible with a historic win at the Gabba, Brisbane today! India defeated Australia for the first time in this venue in 32 years to clinch the fourth and final Test by 3 wickets and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1.
🇮🇳#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/EKtHOhxA1A
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 19, 2021
Chasing 328, which now stands as the highest total to be successfully chased at Gabba, India rode on Rishabh Pant’s fascinating 89* to beat the Aussies in their own backyard and add to Ajinkya Rahane’s 100 percent success record as a captain. Shubman Gill with an elegant 91 and Cheteshwar Pujara’s fighting 56 added a lot of sheen to India’s innings and paved the way for Pant to finish off in style.
A moment to savour for India! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/vSogSJdqIw
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 19, 2021
Starting the day on 4-0, India had a major blow when Rohit Sharma (7) fell cheaply but Gill dug in deep and treated the spectators to some really elegant strokeplay.
That one echoed around the Gabba!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 19, 2021
Live #AUSvIND: https://t.co/qvYTMSiZsl pic.twitter.com/Ttt2hL2nlK
Gill goes long - and sends the ball over the rope and down the race!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 19, 2021
Live #AUSvIND: https://t.co/qvYTMSiZsl pic.twitter.com/6MoNCPJM07
Gill along with Pujara put on a 114-run partnership to take India to a commanding position where a win looked possible. Pujara had a nightmarish time with Pat Cummins constantly bowling short, targeting his body. However, he held on to his crease despite receiving multiple body blows.
Ouch! Pujara rips his glove off after copping one flush on the glove!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 19, 2021
Live #AUSvIND: https://t.co/qvYTMSiZsl pic.twitter.com/xXLuC0jcEa
Even when Gill was dismissed, India never looked to go on the defence. India played out the first two sessions cautiously and went for the kill in the last session scoring more than 5-runs per over in the final 15 overs. Rahane (24) and Washington Sundar (22) provided ample support to the winning cause with some delightful shots.
Wow. Washington clears the fence! https://t.co/qvYTMSiZsl #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/8FveulGbSJ
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 19, 2021
Pant was exceptional throughout the knock and stitched crucial partnerships with Pujara (61 runs), Mayanka Agarwal (37 runs) and Sundar (53 runs) to keep the momentum in favour of India. His last 31 runs came off 25 balls which goes on to show the attacking instincts the young Delhiite showed when the required Run Rate was shooting up. There were times when viewers might have gotten confused if it was indeed Test cricket unfolding in front of their eyes, or T20!
Many rows back 6️⃣
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 19, 2021
Live #AUSvIND: https://t.co/qvYTMSiZsl pic.twitter.com/GixI6l565t
This was India’s third highest successful chase in Test cricket and the highest against Australia. India last won their series Down Under in 2018-19 under Virat Kholi’s captaincy. However, this win definitely feels a lot sweeter especially due to the fighting spirit Team India have shown after a disastrous 36-all out in Adelaide. What a comeback, what a match! Thank you, Team India, for executing the “Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo” mantra in your own way!
EVERY SESSION WE DISCOVERED A NEW HERO.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 19, 2021
Every time we got hit, we stayed put & stood taller. We pushed boundaries of belief to play fearless but not careless cricket. Injuries & uncertainties were countered with poise & confidence. One of the greatest series wins!
Congrats India. pic.twitter.com/ZtCChUURLV
Victory scenes at the Gabba.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Z5nB9MyPwh
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 19, 2021
Watch the full Highlights here: