Published By: Sanchari Das

BGT 24/25: The SCG Dream—THIS Unique Victory of India in 1978 Still Makes Waves

A daunting task awaits the Indian team in the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 as they look to make history and end a 45-year wait for another SCG victory

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has historically been a challenging venue for India. Out of 13 Tests, India has won only once, lost five, and drawn seven. Remarkably, their last three outings in 2015, 2019, and 2021 all ended in hard-fought draws. Despite this mixed record, India's lone victory at SCG, achieved in January 1978, remains a standout moment in their cricketing history.

India's record at SCG

India's first Test at the SCG in 1947 ended in a draw. Between 1968 and 1981, India faced three significant losses, including a crushing defeat by an innings and four runs in 1981. However, the 1978 victory broke this streak. Between 2000 and 2012, Australia asserted dominance, winning three Tests, including a massive innings-and-141-run win in 2000. From 2015 onwards, India has remained unbeaten at the SCG, with the last three matches ending in draws.

Historic 1978 win

India's sole Test victory at SCG came during the 1977-78 tour. After losing the first two Tests, Bishan Singh Bedi's side made a remarkable comeback in Melbourne. Riding high on confidence, India dominated the New Year's Test at Sydney, which started on January 7, 1978. Bowling first, they bundled out Australia for just 131 runs, thanks to a spin masterclass. India replied with a formidable 396/8 declared, built on partnerships and steady contributions from the top order.

Spin trio stars

India's victory in Sydney was largely powered by the spin trio of Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, Bishan Singh Bedi, and Erapalli Prasanna, who shared 16 wickets across both innings. Chandrasekhar led the way with figures of 4/30 in the first innings, while Prasanna's four-wicket haul in the second ensured Australia's downfall. The spinners' ability to extract turn and bounce on the SCG pitch left the Australian batters helpless.

Contributions with the bat

Gundappa Viswanath stood out with a composed knock of 79 runs, anchoring the innings and forging crucial partnerships. Dilip Vengsarkar's 48 and Chetan Chauhan's steady contribution further bolstered the score. Karsan Ghavri, batting lower down the order, added to Australia's misery with a well-timed fifty. India's collective batting effort ensured a 265-run lead, putting Australia under immense pressure.

Jasprit Bumrah's heroics in 2024-25

Fast-forward to the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (2024-25), and India finds itself on the back foot, trailing 2-1. Jasprit Bumrah has been the standout performer for the visitors, claiming 30 wickets so far. Despite flashes of brilliance from Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, India's bowling has lacked consistency. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been a silver lining for India, showcasing grit and determination with impactful knocks, including a maiden Test century in Melbourne.

Can India turn the tables?

As India heads to Sydney, the stakes couldn't be higher. A win will level the series and keep their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) hopes alive. For Australia, avoiding defeat will secure their place in the WTC final at Lord's. While India's SCG record is uninspiring, their resilience in recent years and memories of the 1978 triumph will fuel their fight. Can India script another historic victory at the SCG? The cricketing world waits in anticipation.