From historic wins to shocking collapses – India’s Adelaide journey decoded
India won the first match in Perth by a score of 295 runs, getting the Border-Gavaskar Trophy off to an exciting start. Jasprit Bumrah excelled as captain with an incredible eight-wicket haul, including five wickets in one innings. As the teams prepare for the second Test at Adelaide Oval, regular skipper Rohit Sharma returns, and Shubman Gill is expected back, aiming for a strong performance. Adelaide presents unique challenges, and it’s worth revisiting India’s six Test matches at this iconic venue in the 21st century, showcasing both highs and lows.
Incredible as it may have seemed, India finally won a match in Adelaide in December 2003. Australia set the stage with a colossal 556, thanks to Ricky Ponting’s commanding 242. India responded with a spirited 523, led by Rahul Dravid’s magnificent 233 and VVS Laxman’s 148.
Ajit Agarkar’s magical spell of 6/41 dismantled Australia in the second innings for just 196, leaving India a target of 230. Dravid once again stood tall with an unbeaten 72, guiding India to a four-wicket win. The match was a testament to India’s resilience and skill on foreign soil.
In January 2008, a batting masterclass took place at the Adelaide Oval. Sachin Tendulkar crafted a majestic 153, helping India post 526 in reply to Australia’s first-innings 563, powered by centuries from Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting.
The match ended in a draw, with India declaring their second innings at 269/7 and Australia scoring 340/5. Tendulkar’s innings, filled with delightful strokes, remains the highlight of an otherwise even contest.
In January 2012, India’s luck took a nosedive. Batting first, Australia amassed a daunting 604/7 declared, courtesy of Ricky Ponting’s 221 and Michael Clarke’s 210. In reply, India folded for 272, with Peter Siddle’s 5/49 doing the damage.
Asked to follow on, India could only manage 201 in their second innings, suffering a humiliating 298-run loss. This was a series to forget, as India lost 4-0.
A high-octane clash took place in December 2014 in Adelaide. Batting first, Australia declared 517/7, led by centuries from David Warner (145), Michael Clarke (128) and Steve Smith (162). Virat Kohli responded with a spectacular 115, taking India to 444.
Australia’s second-innings declaration at 290/5 set India a target of 364. Kohli dazzled again with a bold 141, but Nathan Lyon’s spin (5/134 and 7/152) sealed a 48-run win for Australia. Despite the loss, Kohli’s twin tons earned widespread admiration.
The December 2018 Adelaide Test was a nail-biter. India scored 250 in their first innings, anchored by Cheteshwar Pujara’s gritty 123. Australia managed only 235, with India’s bowlers hunting in packs.
In the second innings, Pujara’s composed 71 helped India post 307, setting a target of 323. Australia fell short by 31 runs, giving India a historic win. This victory laid the foundation for India’s maiden Test series triumph in Australia.
In December 2020, Adelaide hosted India’s biggest batting collapse to date. Despite having a 53-run first-innings advantage (India 244, Australia 191), India collapsed in the second innings, being bowled out for an astonishing 36.
Josh Hazlewood (5/8) and Pat Cummins (4/21) dominated as Australia quickly knocked down the 90-run total, winning by eight wickets. The setback shook the cricketing world, but India’s amazing comeback later in the series made this game a memorable precursor.
