Can India retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia?

Debutant Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur shined brightest at the Gabba Test with splendid half-centuries to keep Australia on hold and ensure India’s dream of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Though Australia couldn’t have asked for a better place to play the final and decisive Test than at the Gabba, the Aussies have a marvellous record at that venue and haven’t lost a Test there since 1988.

“We love playing here, and one of the main reasons is because of that wicket. This is a good place to come and play because I don’t have to go and look at it, I know what is going to be like,” Australian captain Tim Paine said ahead of the game.

On the other hand, India has lost five out of the six Tests played there at Gabba. Beating Australia in their home ground in itself is a huge task, but it’s a much more arduous job at Brisbane. The Test at the Gabba is a concern for India because Ravindra Jadeja and Hanuma Vihari are ruled out with injuries. At the same time, it’s doubtful that Jasprit Bumrah could make a return with many other important players out with injuries along with Captain Virat Kohli, who is on paternal leave.

As compared to Indian lineup, the Australian lineup seems more strong with three of the top batsmen, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, along with lethal bowlers like Hazelwood, Cummins and Lyon especially at a venue like Gabba.

However, despite all the hurdles, there has been no shortage of fight and determination from the Indian side. Debutants Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar together with their heroic performance, batting for 36 overs and making maiden Test fifties to help India post 336 after they were reduced to 6 for just 186 lunch and added 123 for the seventh wicket.

Despite the troubles, this Indian team under Rahane has got the glory with bare minimum resources and most importantly, discovered new gems for the future. Hopefully the end this team India is trying to write proves happy.