India makes history: First Test series win on Australian soil

In December 2018, the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series kicked off with India and Australia going head-to-head in four thrilling Test matches. The series saw India emerge victorious in the first and third Tests, while Australia claimed a win in the second Test. The fourth Test ended in a rain-affected draw, highlighting the fierce competition between the two cricketing giants. India's historic series win marked their first-ever Test series victory in Australia, a remarkable achievement that solidified their place in cricketing history. This milestone also made India the first Asian team to conquer the challenging Australian conditions and come out on top, showcasing their dominance and talent on the international stage.

Key performers

Cheteshwar Pujara: Pujara was the linchpin of India's batting lineup, amassing 521 runs at an average of 74.42. His contributions included three centuries and a fifty, with a standout 193 in the Sydney Test. His resilience and technique were instrumental in blunting the Australian bowling attack.

Jasprit Bumrah: Emerging as a formidable force in international cricket, Jasprit Bumrah claimed 21 wickets at an average of 17. He delivered a match-winning performance in the third Test at Melbourne, taking 6 for 33 in the first innings.

Rishabh Pant: The young wicketkeeper-batsman showcased his potential by scoring an unbeaten 159 in the Sydney Test. This innings not only solidified India's position but also made Rishabh Pant the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a Test century in Australia. In the series, he was the second highest run scorer behind Pujara with 350 runs.

Mohammed Shami: The Bengal pacer provided great support to Jasprit Bumrah and finished the series with 16 scalps, which also included a five-wicket haul. His best figures in the series was 6 for 56.

Match summaries

First Test (Adelaide): India secured a 31-run victory, with Pujara's first-innings century laying the foundation. The bowlers complemented the batting effort, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami leading the attack.

Second Test (Perth): Australia levelled the series with a 146-run win. Despite Kohli's valiant 123 in the first innings, India's batting faltered in the second innings, managing only 140 runs while chasing a target of 287 runs.

Third Test (Melbourne): India dominated, winning by 137 runs. Pujara's century and Bumrah's nine-wicket haul in the match were the highlights. This victory ensured that India retained the Border–Gavaskar Trophy.

Fourth Test (Sydney): India posted a mammoth 622 for 7 declared, with centuries from Pujara and Pant. Australia, facing a follow-on at home for the first time since 1988, were saved by rain, with the match ending in a draw.

This series win was a watershed moment for Indian cricket. The triumph was attributed to a combination of solid batting, spearheaded by Pujara, a potent fast-bowling unit led by Bumrah and aggressive captaincy from Kohli. The 2018-19 series set a precedent for future Indian teams, instilling belief in their ability to succeed abroad. This victory paved the way for subsequent successes, including another series win in Australia during the 2020-21 tour.

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