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India secured a historic victory and clinched the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a 2-1 series lead by handily defeating Australia, who had not lost at Brisbane’s Gabba ground since 1988. Australia had not lost at the Gabba since November 1988, when they were defeated by Viv Richards’ West Indies. A 69-year-old record for the largest successful run chase at the Gabba was broken by India’s incredible chase of 329 for seven, which also eclipsed Australia’s 1951 record of 236 for seven against the West Indies. With their history of never winning a series in Australia before 2018–19, this victory made history as India’s second successive Test series victory on Australian soil. At 1-1 in the series, India only needed a draw to win back the coveted trophy. Australia lose the Gabba test match to India after 1988.
Given India’s difficulties—including their historic low score of 36 in the first Test in Adelaide, which they overcame with a strong comeback to win in Melbourne—this accomplishment is all the more fantastic. With captain Virat Kohli away on paternity leave and injuries to other players, India’s victory was all the more remarkable. After doing something similar in the Sydney Test, Man-of-the-Match Rishabh Pant produced an incredible display with an explosive 89 from 138 balls that included nine fours and a six. In addition, Shubman Gill, 21, contributed significantly earlier in the day with his 91 runs at the top of the order. We will see Australia lose the Gabba test match to India after 1988.
Australia’s overconfidence
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One major contributing factor to Australia’s problems in the recent Gabba matches has been their complacency. A lack of necessary effort and preparation resulted from the belief that victory was inevitable. Thus, they discovered that the resolute Indian team had them outmatched. India took advantage of every opportunity and exposed Australia’s lack of readiness, so this overconfidence proved to be detrimental.
India’s utilization of the Gabba’s bouncy pitch
The Gabba’s varied pitch conditions, which are known for their pace and bounce but can also favor spin, were effectively exploited by Indian bowlers. These circumstances were exploited by Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin, who together took 11 significant wickets during the game. India’s success was largely due to its ability to adjust to the constantly shifting pitch conditions, which demonstrated its proficiency at taking advantage of the Gabba surface’s bouncy characteristics as well as its spin-friendly features.
India’s outstanding bowling and batting prowess
India’s impeccable performances at the Gabba have been marked by their extraordinary mental toughness. The Indian team had a reputation for collapsing under duress in the past, but things changed during the Ind vs Aus match. India’s bowlers and batsmen both possess the ability to maintain composure under pressure, which is what makes them stand out. Indian players have shown incredible composure and tenacity, whether they are chasing a difficult target or protecting a narrow total. Their victories can be attributed in large part to their newly discovered resilience, which enables them to constantly rise to the occasion and exert formidable force on the field.
Australia’s long-standing reliance on pacers
Australia’s long-standing reliance on quick bowling has encountered difficulties lately at the Gabba. The pitch of the Gabba has changed significantly, becoming slower and more spin-friendly. Australian pace bowlers are finding it difficult to secure wickets due to the change in conditions. The track, which was formerly quick and lively, has changed to favor spin-friendly conditions, forcing Australian bowlers to modify their tactics. The Australian team has struggled because of their over-reliance on pace, which, while effective in other situations, has put them at a disadvantage when playing on a slower Gabba pitch.
India’s bowling attack
Among Indian bowlers, Mohammed Siraj was the most impressive player during the Gabba Test match. Siraj took five significant wickets in the game, four of which came in Australia’s second innings, as part of his outstanding performance. Siraj exploited the conditions at the Gabba to his advantage, showing off incredible pace and pinpoint accuracy while destroying the opposition’s batting lineup. Ravichandran Ashwin, meanwhile, proved his mettle by claiming four wickets during the game. Ashwin accomplished this, notably, on a pitch that was unfavorable to spin bowling, demonstrating his versatility and aptitude in trying circumstances. Ashwin made a crucial contribution to India’s victory at the Gabba.
India’s phenomenal batting prowess
The Indian batsmen gave exceptional performances against Australia in the GABBA Test match. The unwavering Cheteshwar Pujara scored two significant half-centuries. On a difficult pitch, his innings demonstrated incredible patience and unwavering focus, effectively blunting the Australian bowling attack. In the second innings, Rishabh Pant scored a game-changing 89. His fearless approach, characterized by forceful shots and a fluid style, was crucial to India’s hunt for a formidable opponent. Having scored two half-centuries, including the game-winning 91 in the second innings, Shubman Gill too proved to be a formidable opponent. Gill batted resolutely for extended periods on a testing pitch, demonstrating his resilience and determination.
Australia’s greats under-performed
There was a noticeable drop in performance from some of Australia’s most well-known batsmen in the 2021 Gabba Test match between India and Australia. For instance, Matthew Wade received a score of 3 out of 25 and was unable to make a significant impression. Wade’s troubles were made worse when Mohammed Siraj eliminated him from the game, highlighting a decline in form when facing the Indian bowling lineup. Usually a reliable wicket-taker, Pat Cummins was limited to just one wicket during the match and failed to provide Australia with the crucial breakthroughs they required. His overuse of short-pitched deliveries proved costly, as Indian batsmen took advantage of the openings.
India’s amazing fielding
India’s fielding performance against Australia in the 2021 Gabba Test match was outstanding, highlighted by outstanding catches and significant run-saving actions. A pivotal moment occurred in the second innings when Rishabh Pant dismissed Marnus Labuschagne with a one-handed grab at short leg. Set on 47, Labuschagne looked well on his way until one of the series’ pivotal catches came from Pant, who made an incredible dive to the left, which shifted the balance of power in India’s favor. Marcus Harris was removed in the first innings by a magnificent gully catch made by Shubman Gill. Ravichandran Ashwin and Cheteshwar Pujara also made significant contributions with their catches, and Ajinkya Rahane removed Labuschagne with a slip catch in the same innings.
Australia’s struggle with Indian spinners
During the 2021 Gabba Test match, Indian spinners presented Australia with a formidable challenge. The spin tandem of Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin took 11 crucial wickets between them, which had a big impact on India’s win. With David Warner and Marcus Harris out of the game quickly in the opening innings, Ashwin had Australia at a precarious 2/2. Australia was reduced to 3/34 after Ashwin struck again in the second innings, dismissing Matthew Wade and Marnus Labuschagne in quick succession. In the meantime, Sundar was crucial in forcing Australia to a difficult 7/164 by quickly dismissing Travis Head and Steve Smith in the second innings.
India’s inclusion of fresh talent
India brought two bright prospects to the Test arena in the 2021 Gabba Test match. Making his Test debut, Washington Sundar—best known for his limited-overs appearances—made an instant impression. In an outstanding performance, Sundar contributed with the bat and the ball, taking five wickets and amassing 84 runs while displaying extraordinary skill and maturity. The Indian team management made a daring choice with this one, and it worked brilliantly, highlighting Sundar’s enormous potential in Test cricket. The lack of other bowlers also afforded Mohammed Siraj, who had little Test experience, an opportunity. Siraj’s remarkable feat of accuracy and pace saw him take five wickets, highlighting his promising future in the Test format. So, we have seen Australia lose the Gabba test match to India after 1988.
