The Border-Gavaskar Trophy witnessed one of its most riveting Test matches as Australia ended India's 13-year Boxing Day dominance with a dramatic 184-run victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Over five days of intense cricket, a record-breaking crowd was treated to an enthralling contest that highlighted both Australia’s determination and India’s resilience, reinforcing the timeless charm of Test cricket amidst the glitz of shorter formats.
Australia, with this win, not only secured a 2-1 lead in the series but also claimed their first home Test victory against India since 2018. The match encapsulated the highs and lows of red-ball cricket, where momentum shifted unpredictably, but it was Australia's captain Pat Cummins and his team's relentless approach that ultimately prevailed.
Set a challenging target of 330, India faltered on the final day. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, expected to anchor the chase, were dismissed cheaply, leaving the visitors reeling at 33 for 3 by lunch. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s defiant 84 off 208 balls and Rishabh Pant’s counter-attacking 78-run partnership with Jaiswal offered India hope. The duo batted through the second session without losing a wicket, frustrating the Australians and igniting hopes of an improbable draw.
The turning point came after the Tea break when Pant misjudged a short delivery from part-time bowler Travis Head, lofting it straight to the long-on fielder. This triggered a collapse, with India losing three wickets for just nine runs. Jaiswal’s departure to a fiery delivery from Cummins marked the end of India’s resistance, as the visitors folded for 155 after 79.1 overs. Washington Sundar, who showcased grit with an unbeaten 5 off 45 balls, ran out of partners as Australia celebrated a hard-fought win.
Pat Cummins was the standout performer for Australia, leading by example with three wickets on the final day. His tactical acumen and relentless aggression were instrumental in breaking India’s resolve. In contrast, India’s captain Rohit Sharma struggled with form and confidence throughout the series, his underwhelming performance at the MCG reflecting his broader challenges as a leader in this campaign.
Scott Boland, the local hero at the MCG, once again demonstrated his mastery of the conditions. His three crucial wickets, including those of Ravindra Jadeja and the tailenders, underlined his value to the Australian attack. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon also made a significant impact, not only with three wickets in the second innings but also contributing a vital 41 runs with the bat in Australia’s second innings, pushing their lead beyond 300.
India’s Jasprit Bumrah continued to shine with the ball, consistently troubling the Australian batters, while Nitish Kumar Reddy announced his arrival on the Test stage with a fighting century in the first innings. Yet, India’s collective failures with the bat, particularly from senior players, proved costly.
This match not only highlighted the depth and discipline of Australia’s bowling attack but also underscored their mental toughness. The victory sets the stage for the final Test in Sydney, where Australia will look to seal the series, while India will aim to salvage pride and draw inspiration from their famous resilience at the SCG in 2021.
For Indian fans, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, but the match will be remembered as a classic that showcased the enduring drama and unpredictability of Test cricket. As the series heads to its conclusion, the narrative remains compelling, with both teams vying to leave their mark on this storied rivalry.
