Australia will host India at the famous Gabba stadium in Brisbane from December 14 to 18 in the third Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25.
Australia levelled the series 1-1 in Adelaide with a win by 10 wickets following a 295-run loss in Perth in the 1st Test with 8 wickets for Mitchell Starc and 7 for captain Pat Cummins and a fantastic 140 (141) for Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne's 64 (126).
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On the other hand, the Indians struggled to have any notable performance despite a good series opener. The teams move to Brisbane to take a lead in the series with the World Test Championship Final on the line.
The Gabba in Brisbane has always been a fortress for Australian cricket. The Indian cricket team’s last visit to this iconic venue is remembered as one of the greatest Test victories in cricket history.
It was the final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January 2021, a series that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Heading into the Gabba Test, the series was level at 1-1.
India had suffered major injuries and was missing players. Australia, on the other hand, had a 32-year unbeaten streak at this ground.
India scripts history: What happened the last time India played Test in Gabba?
India started their chase of 328 on the final day with opener Shubman Gill leading the charge. His composed 91 runs set the foundation.
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Cheteshwar Pujara scored a gritty 56, enduring several blows to his body to keep India in the game. He held the innings together against a relentless Australian attack.
The turning point came when Rishabh Pant stepped up. Known for his aggressive style, Pant played a mature and calculated knock.
His unbeaten 89 included bold strokes that unsettled Australia’s bowlers in the final session. Washington Sundar also chipped in with crucial runs under pressure.
As the clock ticked and wickets fell, Pant stayed calm. He hit the winning runs with just a few overs left, sealing a three-wicket win.
This win not only won India the series 2-1 but also handed Australia their first defeat at the Gabba in 32 years.
What made the Gabba win special for Team India?
This win was more than just another Test win for India. It symbolized overcoming adversity, particularly at a venue which the Aussies considered as their fortress.
The team, led by stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane, showed depth and character. Several young players stepped up in the absence of senior stars like Virat Kohli, who had returned home for personal reasons.
The match also highlighted Australia’s struggles. Their bowlers, including Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, fought hard but grew tired as the day progressed.
Errors in the field, such as missed chances, further dented their confidence.
Why is the Gabba Test still celebrated?
The Gabba Test has become a benchmark for India’s never-say-die attitude. It demonstrated that even the most daunting challenges could be overcome with teamwork and self-belief.
The memories of Pant’s audacious shots, Gill’s fearless batting, and Pujara’s stoic defense remain etched in cricket history.
As India prepares to face Australia again at the Gabba, fans can’t help but recall this historic match. It serves as an inspiration for the upcoming generation of cricketers and a reminder of what determination can achieve.
