On this day, 7 January 2019, Indian cricket created history. For the first time in 71 years of traveling to Australia and playing Test series, India won a series on Australian soil. This victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2018-19 was not just any win—it was a moment of pride for every Indian cricket fan.

Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India defeated Australia 2-1 in the 4-match Test series. Virat Kohli, emotional in the post-match interview, said, “This win is bigger than the 2011 World Cup victory.” He was young during the World Cup win, but this time he truly understood the value of this achievement. It was India’s 13th tour of Australia, and finally, after 14 captains had tried and failed, Virat Kohli became the first Indian captain to lift a Test series trophy in Australia.

The series started with a thrilling win for India in the Adelaide Test, where they beat Australia by 31 runs. However, Australia bounced back in the second Test at Perth, defeating India by 146 runs. India made a strong comeback in the third Test at Melbourne, winning by 137 runs. The fourth and final Test in Sydney could have ended in another victory for India, as they enforced a follow-on on Australia. However, rain washed out play on Day 5, and the match ended in a draw.

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Despite the rain, India won the series 2-1 and became the first Asian team to win a Test series on Australian soil.

 

CELEBRATIONS FROM TEAM HOTEL AFTER THE SERIES WIN IN AUSTRALIA IN 2019. 😍🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/Y87gb2l3FH

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 7, 2025

THE CELEBRATIONS FROM VIRAT KOHLI AND HIS BOYS AFTER SCRIPTING HISTORY. ❤️pic.twitter.com/2uMkU3vjxl

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 7, 2025

 

Cheteshwar Pujara was the hero with the bat. He scored 521 runs, including three centuries, and faced a record 1,258 balls in the series, showing remarkable patience and skill. His average was close to 75. Rishabh Pant also played well, scoring 350 runs, including a brilliant century. Virat Kohli contributed 282 runs, including one century, to make it a team effort.

In bowling, Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer. He took 21 wickets at an incredible average of 17. He was well supported by Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma, who took crucial wickets throughout the series.

A Series That Changed History

This victory in 2019 was just the beginning of India’s dominance in Test cricket. India went on to win the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well, defeating Australia 2-1 again, despite facing injuries and challenges.

While the recently concluded 2024-25 BGT ended in a 3-1 loss for India, no one can forget the significance of that first historic win in 2018-19. It was a moment that changed the perception of Indian cricket forever.