The Historic Win at Gabba

It took 32 years and two months, but the unthinkable was achieved on January 15th as an
injury-ravaged young Indian team defeated Australia by three wickets against all odds in the
final Test to take the series 2-1.The last time a visiting team came out triumphant from the
Brisbane Cricket Ground was back in November 1988 when the mighty West Indian outfit
under the leadership of Viv Richards thrashed Allan Border's team by 9 wickets. What
makes the feat even more commendable is how the Indians fought multiple injuries and
mental fatigue - due to the bio-bubble restrictions -- to register a historic win. Sk ipper Virat
Kohli returned to India after the opening Test, ahead of the birth of his first child. Having
already lost Ravindra Jadeja and Hanuma Vihari going into the final Test, Jasprit Bumrah
and R Ashwin too couldn't get match-fit and that saw India field a bowling attack that was
led by a two-Test old Mohammed Siraj. But the lion-hearted pacer rose through the ashes
like a phoenix to show he belongs at the highest level.

Coming back to the final day's action, needing 69 to win going into the last hour, any other
team might have thought of ensuring a draw first. But not this Indian team which is filled with
youngsters who believe in backing themselves till the fat lady sings. With swashbuckling
Rishabh Pant at the crease, Australia skipper Tim Paine had no option but to keep the field
open with men at the boundary. The wicket-keeper did take a few chances, but luck was
smiling bright and sunny on him and he made hay.
And when Washington Sundar hit Pat Cummins for a six and a four off the last two balls of
the 93rd over, it was down to 39 needed off the last seven balls. From there on, it was a
game tailor-made for T20 star Pant.