Published Dec 3, 2024, 3:15 pm IST
India enters the second Test against Australia in Adelaide with an advantage, having won the previous game in Perth by a massive 295 runs in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Notably, the second BGT Test will be played using the pink ball during the day and at night.
The notion of day-night Tests was introduced in 2015 to add intrigue to the game's most extended format, and it will be witnessed again by many from the 6th of December against the best teams in Adelaide Oval. That being stated, here are the five most memorable India-Australia clashes from the BGT timeline at the grounds of Adelaide Oval.
India's triumph in the 2003 Adelaide Test is regarded as one of their most impressive foreign accomplishments. India struggled against a dominating Australian squad, which struck a mammoth 556 in their first innings, headed by Ricky Ponting's 242. When India's innings began, they were immediately reduced to 85 for 4, but Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman saved the day with a match-winning 303-run stand.
Dravid's massive 233 and Laxman's 148 almost equalled Australia's total, setting up an exciting end. In the second innings, Ajit Agarkar bowled an outstanding spell, taking 6 for 41 and dismissing Australia for 196. Dravid led India's chase with an unbeaten 72, sealing the four-wicket victory with a spectacular boundary.
India would like to forget the Test, but it is impossible for two reasons. In the second innings, they scored their lowest Test score ever, 36. Two, what transpired following this Test was something that no one expected as an injury-struck. Adelaide must be recognised as the beginning place for a historical excursion of that tour for the away side. India scored 244 in the first innings before bowling out the Aussies for 191 to grab a comfortable lead.
But then the unexpected happened: India was knocked out for just 36 in the second innings. Australia chased down the tiny target on only the third day to win and take a comprehensive 1-0 lead. Post that, a Virat Kohli-less India, headed by Ajinkya Rahane, defeated the Australians at the MCG, tied at the SCG, and then triumphed again at the Gabba to win the series for the third consecutive time.
The 1985 Adelaide Test was a usual high-scoring drawn Test match that many people witnessed. However, the game's highlight was then-India captain Kapil Dev's eight-wicket haul in Australia's first innings. Kapil used bouncers and swinging deliveries to take the following five wickets while conceding only seven runs. Kapil's 8/106 is the most incredible bowling figure in an innings by any bowler in an India-Australia Test match in Australia.
This helped India bowl out Australia for 381. India reacted by reaching a massive 520 runs count, with Sunil Gavaskar getting an unbeaten 166 in the Indian first innings, Kris Srikanth and Chetan Sharma scoring fifties, and the lower order making valuable contributions. The Australian second innings concluded on 17/0, with the match ending in a draw.
During India's fourth and last Test tour of Australia in January 2012, Virat Kohli batted brilliantly, scoring 116 runs off 213 deliveries at Adelaide Oval. In the first innings, a young Virat demonstrated skill, devotion, and poise against a formidable Australian bowling attack. He played with a positive mentality, counterattacking when necessary and defending effectively when required.
Kohli's century in Adelaide was his maiden Test century, and it was notable because he displayed excellent shot selection, timing, and footwork, allowing him to score runs effortlessly. Although India finally lost the match, the youngster's innings left an unforgettable impression and laid the framework for his future successes. Nonetheless, all was in vain, as the Australians won by 298 runs. But indeed, it deserves to be on this list, as it was the start of a batting era that redefined modern cricket.
In the 2014 BGT series, the Adelaide clash didn't go India's way but saw a momentous batting feat being made by the King, Virat Kohli. Australia declared at 517/7 in their first innings, with hundreds from David Warner, Clarke, and Steve Smith. India responded impressively, scoring 444, with Kohli providing 115. In their second innings, the hosts declared for 290/5, setting a target of 364 runs for Team India.
Kohli once again struck a superb tonne (141), and Murali Vijay supplied a vital 99. However, their efforts were insufficient, and India lost the match by 48 runs, getting all out for 315. Nathan Lyon, an off-spinner, was named Man of the Match after taking 12 wickets and helping Australia win. But Kohli's dual-inning century was the match's USP.
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Adelaide OvalBorder Gavaskar TrophyRahul DravidVirat KohliRohit Sharma on being asked if England were rightly awarded the World Cup title in 2019
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