Introduction
Cricket can be a hotly debated sport and has seen many fierce rivalries taking place between various nations. But when it comes to India vs Australia everything stands apart as it has been one of the most hard-fought test series to take place.
Divinely known as Border Gavaskar Trophy, the contest has evidenced many moments that make border Gavaskar a rivalry to watch out for. The Border Gavaskar trophy with its heated record is one of those rivalries that fetches the attention of every cricket loving fans around the globe.
To have knowledge The about Border Gavaskar trophy it is an international test cricket series that takes place every two year between two of the finest cricket playing nations in Australia and India. The trophy was named after the two great players of their times of the game in Allen Border and Sunil Gavaskar in 1996.
Every team likes to show off in their own way with India leading the trophies tally as far as Border Gavaskar Trophy is concerned. Australia in recent past have been fighting a losing battle in the Border Gavaskar trophy. In last Ten years it has been a code that Australia is yet to crack.
The mutual respect and friendship that both these nations share in between themselves is another aspect that makes the Border Gavaskar trophy exciting. In the recently concluded Border Gavaskar Trophy India and Australia celebrated 75 years of friendship through cricket. How a sport can bring people close to this series is something that proves again and again.
Rivalry
But folks wait, its not any other series that will just be a normal cricketing series. It has seen the banters at times, odd calls from umpires gathering the critics’ attention and most importantly the aggressive nature of the players taking the center stage.
Over the years the legendry trophy has seen various occasions that define the importance of this trophy. Taking into consideration one of the best test matches ever to take place was way back in 2001-02. This was Australia’s Tour to India and the Venue was Iconic Eden Gardens Kolkata. Batting first Australia Scored a monumental 445. In reply India were Bundled out for just 171.
Australia asked India to follow on. In reply stalwart VVS Laxman smacked (281) with the help of the wall Rahul Dravid (180) and India Set a target of 384 for Australia to win the test match. Australia in reply fell short by 171 Runs and India registered one of the memorable Test wins in the history of the sport.
Another Instance where the series once again proved why it one of the most awaited series was in 2020-21 series that took place in Australia.
In the first test India registered one of the most unwanted records in the face of getting bundled on a mere score of 36. India goes down in the game by 8 wickets.
India’s skipper Virat Kohli had decided to leave the camp after first test as he was his family time. After a terrible game India were under immense pressure and had three games to deal with in the series. Without Virat Kohli it was a not an easy way forward for the Indian camp.
Ajinkya Rahane was all set take charge as Indias leader in absence of regular captain. This was a special occasion as it was time for Boxing Day test. India came out with a plan and were able to execute it with great display of Atheleticism on the field.
Aussies were bundled out by the Indian bowlers at a low score of 195. In reply India Scored 326 with skipper Ajinkya Rahane leading the way with a jaw dropping (112). India gained an important lead of 131.In response Australia saw a fumble in the Middle and managed to score 200 and set up a target of 70 for India to win the game and patriate the series. Replying to Australia’s Target India managed to chase down the target with ease and draw level in the series.
The focus now shifts to the Iconic SCG. Australia started the game on a good note with the best test batsmen in Steve Smith smacking 131 to help Australia post a monumental total of 338. In response India were rattled for just 244. Australia in the second inning again got going with a good intent and setting up a total of 407 for India to win the game.
Rishabh Pant’s quickfire 97 and Pujara’s Patient 77 gave India a glimmer of hope to go all the way in the contest. After the fall of Pujara and Pant India found themselves under the dark clouds. But Hanuma Vihari and Ashwin had other plans. With both players battling injuries, they had to battle it out for the nations. Somehow in some way they held on to force a draw.
The hard-fought battle at SCG sees India to the final test at a venue where Australia had not lost a game since1988. India were short of their key players for this particular contest. After electing to bat first Marnus Labuschagne’s century helped Australia post a huge total of 369 . India in reply found themselves under the pump at 185/6. India again showing a brave fight found a way to tackle the situation with Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar taking the rescue Job.
Thakur and Sundar managed to stich a partnership of 123 which made India pave their way back into the contest. India managed to score 336. Australia came out all guns blazing in the second innings with David Warner and Marcus Haris smocking Indian bowling attack all over the park. A fumble in the middle saw India claws their way back into the game with Siraj picking up his maiden test fifer and Shardul Thakur picking up crucial four wickets.
Australia set a target of 328 for India to grab the game along with series. In response India lost Rohit Sharma early in a huge chase. Gill with his scintillating 91 and Pujara with his Patient 56 kept India in the haunt. After the heroics of Sydney Rishabh Pant was the main man at The Gabba. After Australia saw the back of Gill and Pujara Risabh took the charge and was able to see India home and win the series.
This series win was not just a series win, instead it was a huge win for Test format. India with the series win also won the hearts and minds of the cricket fans around the globe.
Conclusion
To Sum up Border Gavaskar Trophy is not just about India and Australia infact it’s about the whole cricket loving fraternity around globe. This contest is a hard-fought battle and a lot to cheer for the fans around the globe. As long as the game of cricket is played, the Border Gavaskar Trophy will continue to embark on its mark in the books of history and will symbolize excellence and sportsmanship.
