The Gabba in Brisbane has lengthy been heralded as Australia’s fortress, a venue the place the house workforce has traditionally dominated. For India, this floor has been a spot of each frustration and triumph, encapsulating the highs and lows of cricketing battles down underneath.
As India put together for his or her subsequent Take a look at match at this iconic venue on December 14, 2024, it’s value reflecting on their document right here, marked by probably the most memorable victories in Take a look at cricket historical past and a number of other robust losses.
India’s rollercoaster of a journey at Brisbane
India’s journey on the Gabba has been nothing wanting a rollercoaster. Out of the seven Take a look at matches they’ve performed at this floor, India has managed to win just one – a exceptional feat achieved in January 2021. That victory got here after 32 years of Australian invincibility on the Gabba, breaking a document that had stood since West Indies final defeated Australia there in 1988. In that historic match, Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89 guided India to chase down 328 runs, sealing a collection victory in opposition to all odds.
Nonetheless, the journey hasn’t at all times been type to the Indian workforce. The newest encounter within the 2024 collection noticed India style defeat within the second Take a look at, which was a pink ball match. Opting to bat first, India managed a modest whole of 180, largely as a result of devastating bowling of Mitchell Starc, who claimed six wickets. Australia, led by Travis Head’s good 140, posted a formidable 357, establishing a lead of 157 runs. Of their second innings, India faltered once more, scoring solely 175 and setting Australia a mere 19 runs to win, which they chased down with ten wickets in hand.
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The historic low throughout preliminary days of India’s cricketing journey
Earlier than celebrating their triumph in 2021, India’s journey on the Gabba started with considered one of its lowest factors throughout their inaugural Take a look at collection in Australia in 1947-48. In that first Take a look at match held from November 28 to December 4, 1947, India was bowled out for simply 58 runs of their first innings—their lowest whole on the Gabba and one of many lowest in Take a look at historical past. Australia had set a frightening goal after scoring 382 runs, with Don Bradman main from the entrance with a formidable 185. The Indian batters had been brutally uncovered in opposition to the bounce and tempo of the Australian pitches, folding for such a meagre rating inside simply 21.3 overs. They adopted up with one other dismal efficiency of their second innings, managing solely 98 runs, resulting in an innings defeat by 226 runs—Australia’s largest margin of victory over India at the moment.
The stark actuality for Crew India
India’s general document on the Gabba stands at seven matches: 5 losses, one draw, and that singular victory in 2021. This stark document paints an image of a venue the place resilience, technique, and sheer cricketing ability are examined to their limits. In distinction, Australia boast a extra strong document at their dwelling floor – taking part in 66 matches with 43 wins, 13 attracts, and solely ten losses. The Gabba has been a testomony to their prowess in dwelling circumstances, particularly within the longest format of the sport.