As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy heads to its final showdown, India and Australia return to the SCG with a legacy of drama, determination, and weathering storms. Here's a look at the last 5 Test matches between the two sides in Sydney
India will play Australia in the fifth Test at the legendary Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3 to 7, setting the scenario for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy decider. With Australia leading 2-1 following a thrilling Boxing Day Test, India must recover and look for a good finish to even the series. As the teams prepare for what promises to be fierce competition, the SCG has provided some unforgettable moments in recent years.
But before we get into the intricacies of this upcoming match, let’s take a look at India’s last five Tests at this famous site.
The 2021 Test between India and Australia at the SCG is a standout example of grit. With essential players like Virat Kohli out and injuries plaguing the Indian squad, the odds were stacked against them. Australia scored 338 and 312/6 declared, led by Steve Smith (131), Marnus Labuschagne (91), and Will Pucovski (62).
India answered with 244 in the first innings (Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara both scored 50s). A fantastic partnership between Rishabh Pant (97) and Pujara (77) enabled India to secure a draw. A 334/5 on the last day sealed an exciting draw, allowing India to achieve a hard-fought draw despite their circumstances. The match demonstrated India’s tenacity and kept their prospects of winning the series alive.
After Pujara’s brilliant 193, Rishabh Pant has assured that India put the game firmly out of Australia’s grip. Very impressed by his temperament today and congratulations to him on his 2nd overseas 100, 1 in Eng and now 1 in Aus, only the 2nd wk after Jeff Dujjon to do so pic.twitter.com/uSg60n98nb
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 4, 2019
In the 2019 Test, India maintained their upward trend by drawing with Australia in a rain-soaked match. India declared a massive 622/7, led by a brilliant 193 from Cheteshwar Pujara and a swashbuckling 159* from Rishabh Pant, putting them in command. Australia, unable to duplicate the feat, posted 300, and the match ended in a draw. Pujara’s heroics won him the Player of the Match title and contributed to India’s first-ever Test series victory in Australia, a source of pride for Indian cricket.
The 2015 Test at the SCG was a story of contrasting fortunes. Australia declared an impressive 572/7, with Steven Smith (117) and David Warner (101) leading the way. In response, India fought hard, with Virat Kohli (147) and Lokesh Rahul (111) demonstrating tenacity, but they were no match for Australia’s supremacy. India declared 475 and 252/7, insufficient to prevent a draw, but their unwavering attitude kept them in the game. Despite their efforts, Australia went on to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-0.
The 2012 Test at the SCG remains one of India’s most forgettable performances. Despite a brave 83 from Gautam Gambhir and an 80 from Sachin Tendulkar, India’s total of 191 and 400 was overshadowed by Australia’s massive 659/4 declared. Michael Clarke’s (329*) tremendous effort clinched the victory for Australia by an innings and 68 runs. India’s inability to counter Australia’s potent assault resulted in an early series loss, a watershed moment for Indian cricket as they struggled to find answers in the face of a formidable Australian squad.
The 2008 Sydney Test between India and Australia at the SCG marked a watershed moment in Indian cricket history. India battled valiantly but lost by 122 runs in dubious circumstances. Australia, driven by Andrew Symonds’ 162* and solid contributions from Hayden (123) and Hussey (145*), scored massively. India answered with 532 due to Tendulkar’s 154* and Laxman’s 109, but fell short in the second innings, scoring 210. Michael Clarke’s late 3/5 clinched Australia’s victory. Despite the defeat, India’s robust performance signalled the start of a shift in their approach to Australian conditions, laying the groundwork for their historic 2018/19 Test series triumph in Australia.
