Border-Gavaskar Trophy – Greatest Matches and Historic Moments
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has seen some of the most nail-biting and closely contested India-Australia Test cricket battles. Named after heroes Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar, the series has provided unforgettable contests and iconic games over the years. Let’s look back at the greatest moments of this iconic contest.
2001 Kolkata Test – India’s Historic Comeback
Perhaps the greatest match in cricketing history, the 2001 Eden Gardens Test witnessed India pull off a miraculous comeback. After being forced to follow on, VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) crafted a record partnership. Harbhajan Singh’s hat-trick and India’s stifling bowling sealed one of the country’s greatest triumphs.
2008 Sydney Test – Controversy and Drama
The 2008 Sydney Test is still notorious for umpire blunders and the ‘Monkeygate’ controversy. Even with Andrew Symonds’ disputed reprieves, Australia nicked a late victory, leaving the Indian team and supporters enraged.
2017 Pune Test – Australia Shock India
On a rank-turning pitch, Steve O’Keefe’s 12 wickets stunned India as Australia pulled off a stunning victory. The defeat was a wake-up call, but India rebounded to claim the series 2-1.
2021 Gabba Test – Fortress Falls
India’s undermanned team, with many of their senior players, achieved one of the greatest Test victories in history at the Gabba. Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 89 chase*, aided by Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara, ended Australia’s 32-year run of undefeated Tests in Brisbane.
2004 Adelaide Test – Dravid’s Masterclass
Rahul Dravid’s 233 and unbeaten 72 powered India to a rare overseas win in Adelaide. Ajit Agarkar’s brilliant bowling supported the batting heroics, sealing a famous triumph.
2018-19 Series – India’s First Series Win in Australia
Under Virat Kohli’s leadership, India scripted history with their first-ever Test series win in Australia. Cheteshwar Pujara’s gritty batting and Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spells were instrumental in India’s 2-1 victory.
Conclusion
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has provided cricket fans with legendary matches, intense rivalries, and memorable performances. With each edition, the competition only becomes more fierce, with more drama and excitement to look forward to in the future.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
It is a Test cricket series between India and Australia, named after Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar.
Q2: When was the Border-Gavaskar Trophy introduced?
The trophy was introduced in 1996 by the Australian Cricket Board.
Q3: What is the most iconic Border-Gavaskar match?
The 2001 Kolkata Test at Eden Gardens is the most talked-about match in Border-Gavaskar history.
Q4: When did India win their first Test series in Australia?
India won their inaugural series in Australia in 2018-19, when Virat Kohli was their captain.
Q5: Who were the top performers in the 2021 Gabba Test?
Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Cheteshwar Pujara shone with the bat, and the young Indian bowlers performed under pressure.
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