Published By: Sayan Guha

BGT 2024/25: 8 Wickets in a Single Innings at Adelaide- This Indian Veteran’s Epic Performance Will Leave You Stunned!

Credit: GQ India

Revisiting the magic of an unforgettable spell amid the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy

India began the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a commanding 295-run victory at Pearth, silencing critics in a dramatic way. India’s bowlers destroyed the Australian batting lineup for only 238 runs in the fourth innings despite setting a daunting target of 534. Jasprit Bumrah, who wore the captain’s armband for the first Test, was the star of the show, taking eight wickets, including a fantastic five-for.

As the caravan heads to Adelaide for the second Test, the pink ball and swinging conditions are sure to keep everyone on their toes. India is in good shape, with Rohit Sharma returning to lead and Shubman Gill expected to return to the top order. However, Australia, still reeling from the Perth tragedy, will definitely want atonement.

Amidst the excitement around the day-night Test, memories of a renowned Indian bowler and his eight-wicket haul at the Adelaide Oval in 1985 came flooding back. Let us go back to Kapil Dev’s masterclass, one of the finest fast bowlers India has ever produced.

The day Kapil wielded his magic wand

It was the opening Test of the 1985 series, and Australia seemed to have the advantage after centuries from David Boon and Greg Ritchie helped them reach 248/4 at the close of the first day. Kapil Dev, however, had different intentions. As the second day began, his brilliant swing bowling flipped the game on its head.

 

Kapil Dev in action in the 1st Test against Australia in 1985 // Picture Courtesy – Criccindeed

 

Kapil’s stats showed a modest 3/99 at one point, but what followed was pure cricket poetry. In a spectacular performance of accuracy and variation, he took five wickets in 21 balls. Australia’s last four wickets went for only six runs. The carnage astounded the Adelaide people, who inscribed Kapil’s name in gold letters into Indian cricket history.

How Kapil toppled Australia

The first victim of Kapil’s wizardry was opener Wayne Phillips, who was caught with a crisp bouncer. Then came the valuable wicket of Australian captain Allan Border, who could scarcely comprehend the movement Kapil caused. Even David Boon, who appeared to be on his way to a century, was caught off guard by a deadly mistake.

On the second day, Kapil was much more dangerous. His variants left the lower order without any answers. A straight, deceptive ball trapped Greg Matthews in the LBW position. A blistering bouncer prompted Greg Ritchie to mistime his stroke, while the tailenders fell like dominoes, either clean-bowled or being caught behind. Kapil finished the innings with incredible figures of 8/106, his best in Test cricket.

Despite Kapil’s outstanding performance, which included the best bowling figures by an Indian in Australia, the Test ended in a draw. Weather interruptions resulted in the loss of approximately 300 minutes of play. India controlled most sessions and scored 520 runs in their first innings, thanks to Sunil Gavaskar’s unbeaten 166—India's then highest total against Australia—but they were unable to secure a victory.

Why Kapil’s spell still resonates

The brilliance of Kapil Dev’s eight-wicket haul in Adelaide was more than the figures. It demonstrated how persistent swing bowling can demolish even the most confident batting combinations. His ability to exploit situations and outthink batters highlighted why he was a generational talent. It is still the third best bowling figure at the Adelaide Oval.

As India prepares for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, Kapil’s performance reminds us of the excellence Indian cricket has seen on these same grounds. Can Bumrah and the company channel the same energy? Only time will tell.