India's historic Test victory in Adelaide: A day to remember

Winning the toss in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India elected to bat first. However, their decision quickly backfired as the formidable Australian pace trio of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc wreaked havoc on their top order, leaving India reeling at 19 for 3 in the initial session. In a dire situation, it was Cheteshwar Pujara who rose to the occasion, displaying his trademark resilience and skill to guide his team out of trouble with a gritty innings.

Pujara’s century (123 off 246 balls) was crucial as he stitched partnerships with the lower order, and his innings ensured India post a competitive first-innings total of 250.

India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin, applied pressure on the Australian batting lineup. Ashwin picked three wickets and so did Bumrah with three scalps, as India restricted Australia to 235. Travis Head’s composed 72 was the highlight for the hosts but wasn’t enough to secure a lead.

India’s second innings was anchored again by Pujara, who scored 71, supported by Ajinkya Rahane’s 70 runs. Together, they ensured India set Australia a daunting target of 323 runs. Nathan Lyon was Australia’s standout bowler, picking up six wickets in the second innings.

The fourth day saw Australia begin their chase cautiously. While wickets fell at regular intervals, the hosts’ batters lineup displayed grit, especially through partnerships involving Shaun Marsh (60) and the lower-order batsmen. Heading into the final day, India needed to break a few crucial stands.

Australia’s lower order put up a valiant fight, with Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood frustrating the Indian bowlers by adding 32 runs for the final wicket. However, Ashwin’s sharp bowling, combined with catches held under pressure by the fielders, ensured India seal a historic victory. Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were instrumental in dismantling Australia’s middle order, contributing to the thrilling finish.

This victory was India’s first Test win on Australian soil since 2008 and set the tone for a historic series triumph, India’s first-ever in Australia. Pujara’s performances earned him the Player of the Match award, and his batting was later hailed as the defining factor of the series.