Australia face a fight to defy history
Photo : AP
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- India and Australia played out a draw at Gabba
- The series is level 1-1
- MCG and SCG will host the remaining two Tests
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) is set for a cracking finish as the five-match series heads into the blockbuster Boxing Day and New Year Tests in Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) with the series level after the rain hit Gabba Test ended in a draw.
Earlier, India took a 1-0 lead in the Perth Test after a thumping 295-run victory before Australia made a strong comeback to win the pink-ball Test at Adelaide by 10 wickets. India was under pressure in Brisbane after Australia put up a huge score of 445 and the visitor's top-order batting collapsed. However, the two-time World Test Championship (WTC) finalist' managed to avoid a follow-in which essentially saved the game for them. On the fifth day, Australia set India a tempting score of 275 in 54 overs but only 13 bowls were possible before another rain interval ended the game.
Australia Faces Fight With History
Australia are now left trying to achieve a feat they have never done since the turn of the century. The Pat Cummins-led team need to defy history and win a home series without winning at Gabba for the first time since 1998. In the 21st century, this is the 6th instance of the hosts failing to win at the ground (4 draws, 2 defeats) and in the previous five instances, Australia did not win the series.
6 Instances Of Australia Not Winning A Test At Gabba In the 21st Century
| Opponent |
Year |
Match Result |
Series Result |
| New Zealand |
2001 |
Draw |
0-0 |
| India |
2003 |
Draw |
1-1 |
| England |
2010 |
Draw |
England won 3-1 |
| South Africa |
2012 |
Draw |
South Africa won 1-0 |
| India |
2021 |
India Win |
India won 2-1 |
| West Indies |
2024 |
West Indies Win |
1-1 Draw |
| India |
2024 |
Draw |
TBD |
The last time Australia won a series without winning the Gabba Test was in the 1998-99 Ashes against England. While the two teams played a draw in Brisbane, the Mark Taylor-led side won the series 3-1.
Gabba has been widely considered Australia's fortress, as they did not have a Test match at the venue for 33 years before India's victory in 2021. Earlier this year, the Pat Cummins-led side lost a pink-ball Test against West Indies at the venue.
Meanwhile, India will fancy their chances in the last two matches on grounds, where they have traditionally excelled in. The Asian giants won on their last outings at MCG (2018, 2020) while they have drawn each of their last three matches at SCG (2015, 2019, 2021).
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