On this day in 2021, January 19, 2021, the Indian cricket team made a miracle with one of the greatest Test wins in history by breaching the Gabba fortress to win the historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21. It was Australia’s first Test defeat at the Gabba in 32 years. 

It was the fourth and final Test of the four-match Test series in Australia. While the series was standing at 1-1 before the Gabba Test in Brisbane, the Ajinkya Rahane-led Indian team had some new and irregular faces, which made the hosts undoubted favourites before the beginning of the Test. 

2021 Gabba Test: Injury-marred India were clueless

While the Indian team was already missing their regular captain Virat Kohli after the first Test of the series due to paternity leave, the team missed out on the injured players Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Hanuma Vihari for the Gabba Test. 

The right-arm pacer Mohammed Siraj was leading the Indian bowling line-up in the Gabba Test with only two Test experiences, while Navdeep Saini and Shardul Thakur were playing their second Test. The left-arm pacer T Natarajan and spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar made their Test debuts. Meanwhile, the opener Shubman Gill was playing his third Test.

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2021 Gabba Test (1st innings): Marnus Labuschagne scored century

Australian captain Tim Paine chose to bat first after winning the toss. Although Aussie openers lost their wickets in single digits, Marnus Labuschagne’s (108) century and key middle-order support with a couple of the 40s and the skipper’s 50 runs helped the hosts to score 369 runs. 

Indian pacers T Natarajan (3/78) and Shardul Thakur (3/94) took three wickets each along with the off-spinner Washington Sundar (3/89). 

2021 Gabba Test (2nd innings): Sundar and Thakur scored valuable 60s

India were struggling at 186/6, where the opener Rohit Sharma (44) was the only batter to reach the 40-run mark. However, Washington Sundar (62) and Shardul Thakur (67) rescued the visitors with their 60s as they had a partnership of 123 runs for the seventh wicket. While Josh Hazlewood claimed a fifer (5/57), India ended their first innings with 336 runs. 

2021 Gabba Test (3rd innings): Siraj's fifer and Thakur's 4-fer restricted the hosts

Starting their second innings with a 33-run lead, Australia were bowled out for 294 runs. Opener David Warner (48) and former captain Steven Smith (55) had the key roles for the baggy greens in setting up the fourth innings target of challenging 328 runs for the visitors. While the Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj picked up a fifer (5/73), Shardul Thakur had a four-fer (4/61).

2021 Gabba Test (1st innings): Fearless Pant guided to history after Gill's 91 and Pujara's long batting 

India started the fifth day of the series finale Test at 4/0. Although the opener Rohit Sharma was dismissed for seven runs, the new opener Shubman Gill impressed with his batting, and solid Cheteshwar Pujara frustrated Aussie bowlers with his patient batting. Gill and Pujara set up a 114-run partnership for the second wicket to make the game on for the visitors, where Gill scored 91 off 146 balls with the help of eight fours and two sixes. 

After the skipper Rahane scored 24 off 22 balls (four fours and one six), Pujara and Rishabh Pant had a 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Pujara scored 56 off 211 balls (seven fours) before Pat Cummins dismissed him. 

Although Mayank Agarwal was out for nine runs, Pant was sensational with his bat, and Washington Sundar once again produced a valuable partnership. They had a 53-run partnership for the sixth wicket before Nathan Lyon bowled Sundar for 22 off 29 balls (two fours and one six). 

However, fearless Pant controlled the chasing without any tension, and even though Shardul Thakur was out for two runs, India chased the target with three wickets in hand. Pant scored 89 not out off 138 balls with the help of nine fours and one six, and the excited Indian players jumped with joy for winning the series by 2-1.

2021 Gabba Test: Australia lost at the Test venue after 32 years

It was Australia’s first Test defeat at the Gabba after 32 years. Previously, they lost a Gabba Test in November 1988 against West Indies (9 wickets). It was their first Gabba Test defeat after 31 Tests, which also broke their seven-match winning streak in the Test venue.

On July 14, 2019, cricket fans around the globe witnessed one of the most dramatic and unforgettable World Cup finals ever played. England clinched their first 50-over World Cup victory at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, defeating New Zealand in a nail-biting finish that ended in a super over. However, the highlight of the day, and the subject of much debate since, was the controversial ‘boundary count’ rule that ultimately decided the outcome.

Background of the 2019 ODI World Cup

Following a disappointing exit in the 2015 World Cup, England’s cricket team underwent a significant transformation under the leadership of Eoin Morgan. They revamped their approach to white-ball cricket, focusing on aggressive batting and versatile bowling. By the time the 2019 World Cup arrived, England were considered a favorite. Despite setbacks in the group stages with losses to Pakistan and Australia, they rebounded strongly to secure a place in the semi-finals and subsequently the final.

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New Zealand, known for their consistent performances in ICC tournaments, entered the 2019 World Cup with high hopes. Led by the calm and collected Kane Williamson, the Kiwis showcased their resilience and tactical prowess throughout the tournament. They reached the final after a thrilling semi-final victory against India, setting the stage for a memorable showdown at Lord’s.

The Final Match: England vs. New Zealand

The atmosphere at Lord’s on July 14, 2019, was electric. Cricket fans from around the world gathered to witness what promised to be a thrilling contest between two deserving teams.

New Zealand’s innings

Batting first, New Zealand posted a total of 241/8 in their 50 overs. Contributions from Henry Nicholls and Tom Latham were vital, but it was a collective effort from the team that set a competitive target.

New Zealand faced disciplined bowling from England, with Chris Woakes and Liam Plunkett making key breakthroughs. Despite the challenges, the Kiwis managed to put up a fighting total, setting the stage for a thrilling chase.

England’s Innings

Chasing a target of 242, England faced early setbacks. The loss of key wickets put them in a precarious position, and at 86/4, their World Cup dreams seemed to be slipping away. However, the resilience of Ben Stokes and the steady hand of Jos Buttler kept them in the game.

The partnership between Stokes and Buttler was crucial. They not only stabilized the innings but also kept the required run rate in check. Their combined efforts brought England within reach of the target, setting up a dramatic final over.

The dramatic final over

In the final over of the match, England needed 15 runs to win. The tension was palpable. Ben Stokes played a pivotal role, but it was a controversial moment when a throw from New Zealand’s Martin Guptill deflected off Stokes’ bat and went to the boundary, adding six crucial runs to England’s total. This moment turned the tide, leading to a tie and forcing the match into a super over.

The controversial boundary count rule

The boundary count rule, which was in place during the 2019 World Cup, stated that in the event of a tie in the super over, the team with the higher number of boundaries throughout the match would be declared the winner. This rule, relatively unknown to many fans, became the focal point of the controversy.

Both teams ended the super over with identical scores. However, England were declared the winner based on their superior boundary count (26 boundaries to New Zealand’s 17). This decision, while within the rules, sparked widespread debate and criticism.

In response to the widespread criticism, the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to scrap the boundary count rule for future tournaments. The new rules ensured that tied matches in knockout stages would be resolved by repeated super overs until a clear winner emerged.

Ben Stokes: The hero of final

Ben Stokes’ performance in the final was nothing short of heroic. His unbeaten 84 in the regular innings and his crucial role in the super over cemented his place as one of England’s greatest cricketers.

Stokes’ journey from controversy to redemption added to the narrative. His resilience and determination were key factors in England’s victory, and his actions on that day are remembered as legendary.

It’s been two decades since the cricket world witnessed one of the greatest battles on the 22 yards when India and England clashed in the final of the 2002 NatWest Trophy on July 13 at Lord’s. The Men in Blue dedicated their sweat and blood until Sourav Ganguly marked the historic victory by waving his shirt from Lord’s balcony. Under Ganguly’s leadership, India played exceptionally well throughout the tri-series, winning four of their five league games. Heading into the final to meet the hosts, there were doubts about whether they could replicate their earlier performances. However, through extraordinary team effort and Ganguly’s aggressive approach, India lifted the historic NatWest Trophy.

The match: A display of grit and determination

On July 13, 2002, India pulled off a stunning 2-wicket victory in the NatWest Series final against England at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Chasing a daunting target of 326, Indian openers Ganguly and Virender Sehwag provided a solid foundation with a 102-run stand. However, wickets began to tumble, leaving India in a precarious position at 146/5. A brilliant partnership between Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif turned the tide in India’s favour. The duo added 121 runs, with Yuvraj scoring a majestic 69 and Kaif remaining unbeaten on 87.

As the drama continued and wickets fell at regular intervals, the tension was palpable. Needing 12 runs from the last 4 overs, Harbhajan Singh’s quickfire 15 off just 8 balls brought India within touching distance. With 2 runs needed off the final ball, Rahul Dravid, the epitome of calmness, nudged the ball past the fielder, sending the Indian dressing room and a sizeable Indian contingent in the crowd into a frenzy.

The heroes and the iconic celebration by Ganguly

The victory at Lord’s marked a significant milestone in Indian cricket, showcasing the team’s growing confidence and ability to perform under pressure. From Ganguly’s captaincy to Rahul Dravid’s composure and the heroics of Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, and Harbhajan Singh, each player contributed to the triumph. Ganguly’s shirt-waving celebration was more than just a spontaneous expression of joy. It was a statement of defiance, a response to the criticism and scepticism India faced during the series. In a moment that captured the nation’s imagination, Ganguly took off his jersey and waved it in defiance at the Lord’s balcony, a gesture that reverberated across India. This act signified India’s newfound aggression and self-belief.

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The 2002 NatWest Trophy win was more than just a victory; it was a watershed moment for Indian cricket. It marked the arrival of a new, aggressive India, one that wouldn’t be cowed by tradition or reputation. The team, under Ganguly’s leadership, ushered in a new era of dominance in world cricket. Today, we celebrate the heroes who made it possible, and the triumph remains one of India’s most memorable victories in international cricket, continuing to inspire generations of cricket fans.

On this day 23 years ago, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid stitched together a 376-run partnership that marked one of the historical moments of Indian cricket. On March 14, 2001, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata the duo scripted an unreal fightback that laid the foundation for one of the greatest victories in the history of Test cricket.

How it all started?

After losing the first Test against Steve Waugh-led Australia, India were all set for another heartbreak in Kolkata. Australia put a mammoth 445 in the first inning and India were bowled out for a mere 171. The hosts were asked to follow on and they were soon 232/4 with Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly back to the pavilion. Rahul Dravid joined VVS Laxman and set the stage for an epic fightback.

Laxman scored 281 while Dravid played the perfect supporting role to add 181 to his name. The grit and resilience showcased by the duo changed the tone of the match in favour of the hosts. India were not just back in the game, they started showing dominance.

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Eden Test 2001 changed mindset of Indian cricket

The partnership laid the foundation for a magical spell from Harbhajan Singh that eventually saw India winning the match by 171 runs. Nobody could believe what they saw. Nobody could imagine that the match would be unfolded in such a way.

The match is significant in various ways in Indian cricket history. This was one of those matches that made Indians believe in the team India led by Sourav Ganguly. The magnitude of the Eden Test 2001 was recalled by Hemang Badani once. He tweeted in 2023, “Not many know that at the end of day 3 we had packed our suitcases, they were to be taken straight to airport and the team was to go straight to the airport from ground. And then these two batted like magicians without losing a wicket the entire day.”