Story of Gabba (Final Test India Vs Australia)
The Gabba test between Team India and Team Australia was filled with excitement and anticipation. After a fierce fight in Sydney, both teams were set to clash at the iconic Gabba ground, where Australia had maintained an unbeaten streak for 32 years. This article narrates the thrilling moments and twists that led to India’s historic triumph at the Gabba.
Day -1 “Australia wins the toss and decides to bat first. Both teams once again take the field with new opening batsmen. Team India had four new changes; neither Ashwin, Bumrah, Jadeja, nor Vihari were in the lineup. In such a situation, if Team India had anything, it was only courage. Just like makeup is essential for a heroine’s appearance, similarly, in this match, Australia’s start was poor. Warner fell victim to Siraj’s first over after scoring 4 runs and had to return to the pavilion. The score could have increased a bit, but the second opener also headed back to the pavilion on Shardul’s very first delivery. The score could have gone up a bit more if the second opener hadn’t returned to the pavilion; Shardul got him out on his first ball.”
Now on the ground, Smith or Labuschagne were ready to make Australia’s life or glory a headache for Team India, but the captain had a solution to it. By handing the ball to Washington Sundar, he trapped Steve in his trap, now the big problem of Team India was over. However, Labuschagne was still on the crease in Navdeep Saini’s over when Captain Rahane dropped his catch. Labuschagne took advantage of this mistake and played brilliantly, scoring a quick fifty and then going on to complete a century. Where the score was 93/3, it had reached 200/3. Labuschagne scored the first century of the series and now it was Natarajan’s turn. First made Wade and then Labuschagne his victim. The whole story changed in no time and Australia was once again seen on the backfoot. At the end of the first day’s play, Australia were 274/5, and the match was almost in Australia’s favor.
Day-2 The second day’s play begins, Australia cross 300 with their fast start, Captain Paine has scored 50, Australia is slowly going into a strong position. But once again Shardul or Washington did the work of collecting Australia. Shardul first hunted Paine, then Washington made Green walk, Australia’s score was 300/5, now it is 317/8. in the long run Due to the excellent batting, Australia was 371/10
Team India’s bowlers had done their work, now it was the turn of the batsmen. From India’s side, the start by Hitman (Rohit Sharma) and Gill was not particularly impressive. India had already received the first setback with the loss of the first wicket at 11 runs, and before reaching 60, Rohit had also been dismissed. The second day’s play was stopped due to rain.
Day-3 On the third day of the match, Pujara and Rahane made a good start, both batsmen were well-set on the crease, but Hazlewood broke through Team India’s defense. Whenever India made some progress in their runs, they lost their captain as well. Once again, Australia made a comeback in the match, and Mayank couldn’t contribute much, getting out at 161. The Australia bowlers were consistently taking wickets, and no Indian player could hold their ground. At 168, Pant was also dismissed. India was facing a crisis, but Shardul and Washington played a splendid 100-run partnership, bringing both teams into a strong position. By the end of the third day’s play, Australia had a lead of 33 runs, with the entire team all out at 336.
Day- 4 It was a fierce contest as if a war was raging between the two teams. Australia was building a strong position with an impressive start and good batting. Despite their brilliant batting, Australia were in a strong position. However, Siraj was ready for Australia. He took a stunning five wickets and turned the match in India’s favour. Shardul contributed with the rest of the work. Now, India had a target of 329 runs to chase, with only one day left in the match. It was not going to be an easy challenge for India, but they were not ready to accept defeat. They were determined to break the pride of Gabba and win the match at any cost. On the other hand, Australia was also carrying the burden of 32 years of pride. Both teams were not willing to give in easily.
Day -5 (Story of Gabba) Chasing a target of 329 runs, the Indian team started their innings when only 18 runs were added on the scoreboard that they lost their wicket as Hitman (Rohit Sharma). However, Pujara and Gill were scoring runs together and India reached 79/1 by the end of the first session. As the second session began, Pujara and Gill began to attack the Australian bowlers, although they had already put on a 100-run partnership. Lyon is given the ball to break the partnership. Lyon dismissed Gill with his spin, but Gill’s contribution had already given India some hope. After Gill got out, wickets kept falling one after another, but Team India’s strategy was clear – they wanted to win the match at any cost. In pursuit of victory, they sent Pant to bat before Mayank in the second session. At that point, Team India’s score was 183/3, and they required 145 runs in 37 overs to secure a win.
The third and final session had begun, and Pant was scoring runs in his own style. His aggressive batting was putting Australia in trouble, and India’s score had reached 228/3. India needed 100 runs to win, but Pant was playing in his unique manner, which he is known for. He had already scored 50 runs, and now India required 74 runs in 16 overs. However, the match was not going to end easily. After Pujara, Mayank couldn’t do much, but Washington and Pant kept India’s hopes alive. When India needed 10 runs, Washington got out, but his innings had almost won the match for India. In the end, Pant sealed the match with a brilliant boundary, breaking Australia’s pride with this spectacular victory.