Rohit Sharma-led India has reached Brisbane, a place where they achieved one of their most memorable Test victories in 2021.
India is in Brisbane for the third Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The series, consisting of five matches, is currently tied at 1-1. Both teams have secured convincing wins in the first two Tests. Returning to Brisbane, also known as the Gabba, brings back memories of India’s historic win in 2021.
The visitors arrive with some challenges to address. India faced a tough 10-wicket loss in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide. Australia has always been strong in day-night Tests at the Gabba. India’s batting lineup has shown some weaknesses in recent matches, including a surprising 3-0 defeat at home against New Zealand.
India Aiming to Win at Gabba Again
Despite the challenges, the Indian team appeared in high spirits in a video shared by the BCCI, showing their arrival in Brisbane. Many of the current players were part of the iconic 2021 victory at the Gabba, where India became the first team in over 30 years to defeat Australia in a Test match at the venue.
Back then, Rohit Sharma wasn’t the captain, and the team was led by Ajinkya Rahane. Players like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammed Siraj made significant contributions to the win. Other key players like Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja missed that Test due to injuries. The series was tied 1-1, with India bouncing back from a big defeat in Adelaide to win in Melbourne and then draw the Sydney Test against all odds.
In the Gabba Test, Mohammed Siraj took five wickets, and Shardul Thakur claimed four as Australia managed 294 runs in their second innings. India was set a challenging target of 328 runs. Shubman Gill scored a remarkable 91 runs in 146 balls, while Cheteshwar Pujara held the innings together with a patient 56 off 211 balls. Pujara formed key partnerships – first a 114-run stand with Gill and later a 61-run partnership with Pant.
After Pujara’s dismissal, Rishabh Pant stepped up, building a quick 53-run partnership with Washington Sundar. Pant remained unbeaten on 89 off 138 balls, hitting the winning runs to secure India’s three-wicket victory. This victory not only marked history but also helped India win a Test series in Australia for the second consecutive time.
Now, as India returns to Brisbane, fans are hoping for another heroic performance to take the lead in the series.
