With Australia leading the five Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1 against India on the back of a 184-run victory in the Boxing Day Test at MCG, the action now shifts to the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney for the fifth and final Test of the series.
India’s record at this venue has been notably poor, with only a single victory, which came way back in January 1978 under the leadership of Bishan Singh Bedi, in their 13 Tests.It is worth examining India’s last Test performance at this historic ground.
The SCG has historically been a venue where Team India has faced both challenges and triumphs. The last time India played at the SCG, during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21, the match turned out to be a thrilling and iconic chapter in Test cricket history.
The third Test of the series, held from January 7 to 11, 2021, ended in a dramatic draw, with India showcasing immense grit and determination. Batting first, Australia posted a formidable 338, powered by Steve Smith’s masterful 131 and Marnus Labuschagne’s 91.
India responded with 244, thanks to Shubman Gill’s impressive 50 and Cheteshwar Pujara’s gritty 50, but they conceded a significant first-innings lead.
Australia set India a daunting target of 407, declaring their second innings at 312/6. With two full days to survive, India faced an uphill battle. The situation looked bleak after losing openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill early on Day 5. However, it was the resilience of the middle and lower order that turned the tide.
Rishabh Pant’s counterattacking 97 off 118 balls reignited hope, while Cheteshwar Pujara held firm with a determined 77. The defining moment, however, was the remarkable partnership between Vihari (23* off 161 balls) and Ashwin (39* off 128 balls). Both players, battling injuries, batted for over 42 overs to ensure India secured an unforgettable draw.
The result set the stage for their historic series win at the Gabba. The SCG Test remains a symbol of India’s fighting spirit and determination to defy the odds on foreign soil.
