On this date in 2019, the Indian cricket team, captained by Virat Kohli, achieved a remarkable Test series victory on Australian territory—an accomplishment that had never been realized by any Indian team before. The four-match series concluded with India leading 2-1, as inclement weather on the final day of the Sydney Test prevented them from securing a potential 3-1 triumph.

The Border–Gavaskar Trophy series commenced in December 2018, featuring intense competition between India and Australia across four Test matches. India emerged victorious in the first and third Tests, while Australia claimed the second Test, and the fourth Test ended in a draw due to rain. This victory represented India's inaugural Test series win in Australia, establishing them as the first Asian team to reach this significant achievement.

Key performers

Cheteshwar Pujara: Pujara served as the cornerstone of India's batting order, accumulating a total of 521 runs with an impressive average of 74.42. His performance featured three centuries and one half-century, highlighted by a remarkable 193 runs in the Sydney Test. His steadfastness and technical prowess played a crucial role in countering the Australian bowling attack.

Jasprit Bumrah: Establishing himself as a significant presence in international cricket, Jasprit Bumrah secured 21 wickets at an average of 17. He delivered a standout performance in the third Test at Melbourne, achieving figures of 6 for 33 in the first innings, which proved pivotal for the team's success.

Rishabh Pant: The promising young wicketkeeper-batsman demonstrated his capabilities by scoring an unbeaten 159 in the Sydney Test. This remarkable inning not only reinforced India's standing in the match but also made Rishabh Pant the first Indian wicketkeeper to achieve a Test century on Australian soil. Throughout the series, he emerged as the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 350 runs, trailing only Pujara.

Mohammed Shami: The pacer from Bengal provided excellent support to Jasprit Bumrah, concluding the series with 16 wickets, which included a five-wicket haul. His best performance in the series was recorded at 6 for 56.

Match summaries

First Test (Adelaide): India achieved a 31-run victory, primarily due to Pujara's century in the first innings, which established a strong foundation. The bowlers effectively supported the batting performance, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami spearheading the bowling attack.

Second Test (Perth): Australia equalized the series with a commanding 146-run win. Although Kohli scored a commendable 123 in the first innings, India's batting struggled in the second innings, managing only 140 runs while pursuing a target of 287.

Third Test (Melbourne): India showcased their dominance with a 137-run victory. Pujara's century and Bumrah's impressive nine-wicket haul were the standout performances. This win ensured India's retention of the Border–Gavaskar Trophy.

Fourth Test (Sydney): India declared at a formidable 622 for 7, featuring centuries from both Pujara and Pant. Australia, facing a follow-on at home for the first time since 1988, was fortunate to have rain intervene, resulting in a drawn match.

This series victory marked a significant milestone for Indian cricket. The success was attributed to a blend of robust batting, led by Pujara, an effective fast-bowling lineup spearheaded by Bumrah, and assertive captaincy from Kohli. The 2018-19 series established a benchmark for future Indian teams, fostering confidence in their capacity to perform well overseas. This triumph laid the groundwork for further achievements, including another series victory in Australia during the 2020-21 tour.

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