On this day in 2019, the Indian cricket team made history! Led by captain Virat Kohli, they won a Test series in Australia for the very first time, something no other Indian team had done before. The exciting four-match series ended with India leading 2-1, and they could have won 3-1, but rain interrupted the final game in Sydney.
The series kicked off in December 2018, with both teams showing their skills and determination. India won the first Test and the third, while Australia claimed victory in the second. The last match ended in a rain-affected draw.
Key Players Who Shined:
– Cheteshwar Pujara: Pujara was the heart of India’s batting, scoring 521 runs with an amazing average of 74.42. He hit three centuries and made 193 runs in the Sydney Test, proving he could handle the Australian bowlers.
– Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah emerged as a star bowler, taking 21 wickets at an average of 17 runs per wicket. He had a fantastic match in Melbourne, taking 6 wickets for just 33 runs.
– Rishabh Pant: The young wicketkeeper-batsman impressed everyone with an unbeaten 159 runs in the Sydney Test. He became the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a century in Australia and was the second-highest scorer for India in the series with 350 runs.
– Mohammed Shami: Shami was a great help to Bumrah, finishing the series with 16 wickets, including a brilliant performance of 6 wickets for 56 runs in one match.
Match Results:
– First Test (Adelaide): India won by 31 runs, thanks to Pujara’s century and strong bowling from Bumrah and Shami.
– Second Test (Perth): Australia bounced back, winning by 146 runs. Despite Kohli’s impressive 123 runs, India struggled in the second innings.
– Third Test (Melbourne): India took control and won by 137 runs. Pujara and Bumrah both played incredibly well.
– Fourth Test (Sydney): India declared their innings at an amazing 622 runs for 7. With centuries from both Pujara and Pant, Australia was saved by rain, and the match ended in a draw.
This incredible series victory was a major moment for Indian cricket. It showed how teamwork and strong performances could lead to success, even in challenging conditions abroad. The lessons learned and confidence gained from this series helped future Indian teams, including their next win in Australia in 2020-21.
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