Credit: ESPNcricinfo
From classic spin to fiery pace, a look at iconic performances that shook Brisbane
There have been two exciting games in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024–25 thus far. India’s overwhelming 295-run triumph in Perth, due to the heroics of Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli, was quickly matched by Australia’s spirited comeback in Adelaide. Australia levelled the series with a ten-wicket win when Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Scott Boland dismantled the Indian batting line-up. All eyes are now on Brisbane’s Gabba, a historically significant and dramatic venue.
As the third Test approaches, it’s interesting to review the occasions when Indian bowlers stunned the Australians with outstanding spells at this very site.
In the third Test of India’s tour of Australia in January 1968, Erapalli Prasanna demonstrated his prodigious talent. Defending a challenging target of 395, the experienced off-spinner worked his magic in the third innings, posting figures of 6 for 104 in 33.4 overs.
Prasanna waving his web against the Aussies // Picture Courtesy – India.com
Prasanna’s heroics kept India in the hunt as Australia failed to extend their 100-run lead from the first session. With an impressive economy of 2.32, he used every turn the Gabba had to offer. Though India fell 39 runs short of their target, Prasanna’s superb effort was a bright spot in an otherwise tricky defeat.
In December 1977, the Gabba watched another Indian spinner flourish. During the first innings, Bishan Bedi’s left-arm orthodox bowling ripped the Australian batting line-up apart. Bedi took 5 for 55 in only 13.7 overs, including significant breakthroughs that interrupted the hosts’ momentum.
Bishan Singh Bedi 5 for 55 vs Australia 1st Test, Brisbane, December, 1977 @Imangadbedi pic.twitter.com/06OtS2QaCk
— Rameshwar Singh (@RSingh6969a) February 22, 2022
Bedi’s controlled spin and excellent variations held Australia to 166 in the first innings. Despite his heroics, India lost by 16 runs in a high-scoring chase of 341.
While Bishan Bedi dominated the first innings in the 1977 Gabba Test, Madan Lal took charge in the second. The right-arm medium pacer bowled a furious stint, ending with 5 for 72 in 19 overs.
https://img1.hscicdn.com/image/upload/f_auto,t_ds_w_1200,q_50/lsci/db/PICTURES/CMS/195300/195315.jpg
Madan Lal was one of the greatest pacer India have ever produced // Picture Courtesy -- ESPNcricinfo
Madan’s ability to extract bounce and movement from the Gabba surface bothered the Australian batters throughout. His expulsion of crucial players gave India a fighting chance in the match. Although India did not win, his effort was one of the most remarkable for Indian speed bowling in Australia.
Zaheer Khan was at his lethal best in the 2003 Gabba Test, dismantling Australia’s top order with precise swing bowling. In the first innings, he bowled 23 overs, taking 5 for 95.
His stint includes the highly desired scalps of Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting, ending Australia’s batting surge at 323. The match resulted in a draw, but Zaheer’s contribution laid the groundwork for India’s outstanding performance throughout the series.
Brisbane 2021 was the stuff of fantasies for Indian cricket, with Mohammed Siraj emerging as an unlikely hero in the absence of veteran bowlers. In only his third Test match, Siraj led the attack and bowled a stunning spell in Australia’s second innings, taking 5 for 73 in 19.5 overs.
Siraj’s scorching deliveries not only destroyed partnerships but also Australia’s spirit. His tireless efforts meant that Australia were knocked out for 294, leaving India with a target of 328. The rest, as they say, is history: India knocked down the target by the heroics of Shubhman Gill and Rishabh Pant to win by three wickets and claim the series 2-1.
