On This Day In 2019 Cricket: India scripted history on January 7, 2019, when Virat Kohli’s side sealed a landmark 2-1 Test series victory over Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, ending a long wait to win a Test series Down Under.
The triumph also ensured India retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and became the first Asian team to win a Test series on Australian soil.
The series could have finished 3-1 in India’s favour, but persistent rain on Day 5 of the fourth Test in Sydney denied the visitors a final push for victory after they had enforced the follow-on – Australia’s first at home since 1988.
How The Series Unfolded
India started the tour on a high, clinching the opening Test in Adelaide by 31 runs. Australia bounced back strongly in the second Test at Perth, winning by 146 runs to level the series. The turning point came in Melbourne, where India produced a dominant all-round performance to win the third Test by 137 runs and seal an unassailable lead.
The final Test in Sydney ended in a draw, but not before India asserted their superiority by posting a massive first-innings total of 622 for 7 declared, putting Australia under immense pressure.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Marathon Masterclass
Cheteshwar Pujara emerged as the backbone of India’s historic campaign. The batter piled up 521 runs at an average of 74.42, including three centuries and a fifty. His ability to occupy the crease proved decisive, as he faced a staggering 1,258 deliveries across the series, blunting Australia’s vaunted pace attack.
Pujara’s contributions were highlighted by a commanding 193 in Sydney, an innings that epitomised his resilience and technique under pressure.
Bumrah Leads The Bowling Attack
Jasprit Bumrah was equally influential with the ball, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the series with 21 scalps at an average of 17.00. His standout performance came in the Melbourne Test, where he claimed 6 for 33 in the first innings, dismantling Australia’s batting lineup.
Mohammed Shami provided vital support, ending the series with 16 wickets, including a five-wicket haul. Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon also took 21 wickets, matching Bumrah’s tally.
Rishabh Pant’s Breakthrough Series
Rishabh Pant announced himself on the big stage with a memorable series. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 350 runs, including a stunning unbeaten 159 in the Sydney Test. The knock made Pant the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a Test century in Australia and played a key role in India’s imposing total.
Virat Kohli, meanwhile, contributed 282 runs, including a vital century in Perth, leading from the front during a challenging tour.
A Defining Moment For Indian Cricket
India’s series win in Australia marked a watershed moment, redefining the team’s reputation overseas. The success was built on discipline, patience, and a relentless bowling attack.
India repeated the feat on their next tour in 2020-21 with another 2-1 series win. However, in the most recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia reclaimed the title with a 3-1 victory, ending a decade-long wait and securing a spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s this June.