Credit -- India Today
Celebrating India's standout Test partnerships in the heart of Australia
The third Test of the ongoing India-Australia series is set to start on December 14 at The Gabba in Brisbane. The stakes couldn't be higher with the series level at 1-1. After a humbling loss in Adelaide, India will aim to bounce back at a venue that holds fond memories for Indian cricket fans. The Gabba witnessed one of India's greatest Test triumphs in 2021, where they chased down 328 in a thrilling finish. Ahead of this crucial match, let's revisit the top Indian partnerships that have graced this iconic venue.
In 2003, Sourav Ganguly's elegant 144 and 146-run partnership with VVS Laxman set the tone for a hard-fought series. India was struggling at 62/3 when Ganguly walked in under immense pressure. Alongside Laxman's steady 75, Ganguly's knock sent a strong message to the Australians. The duo's 206-ball stand was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket. Despite the match ending in a draw, this partnership remains etched in history as a defining moment of resilience and skill at The Gabba.
Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi confidently danced down the track and lofted a six
// Credit -- eNewsroom
Facing a daunting Australian total of 379, Rusi Surti and captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi resurrected India's innings from 9/3 with a gritty 128-run partnership in the first innings. Surti's patient 52 complemented Pataudi's attacking 74, which featured ten fours and a six. Though India ultimately lost by 39 runs, their fightback in both innings — including another solid stand between Chandu Borde and Jaisimha — showcased the team's growing self-belief on foreign soil.
The captain, Rusi Surti, plays a shot at Gabba
//Credit -- The Guardian
Murali Vijay's sublime 144 and 124-run partnership with Ajinkya Rahane in 2014 put India in a commanding position on the first day. Vijay's innings were filled with 20 boundaries, while Rahane's composed 52 provided the perfect foil. The duo took full advantage of Australia's fatigue in the scorching Brisbane heat, dominating pace and spin. Although India lost the match by four wickets, this partnership highlighted Vijay's brilliance as an opener in tough conditions.
When India was reeling at 186/6 in the decisive fourth Test of the 2021 series, Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar produced a breathtaking 123-run partnership. Thakur's fearless 67 and Sundar's composed 62 defied Australia's potent bowling attack. Their counter-punching stand narrowed the first-innings deficit and set the stage for India's historic victory. Without this remarkable effort from the lower order, the heroics of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant in the second innings might never have happened.
In the same 1968 Test where Surti and Pataudi shone, Chandu Borde and Motganhalli Jaisimha combined for a 119-run stand to keep India's hopes alive in the second innings. Borde's 63 and Jaisimha's brilliant 101 underlined their fighting spirit. Jaisimha, in particular, played a lone hand after the dismissal of the lower order, displaying immense grit against a relentless Australian attack. Though India fell short, the partnership remains a testament to their resolve.
JL Jaisimha // Credit -- India TV News
These partnerships defined matches and showcased India's resilience and evolving dominance in Test cricket. The Gabba has seen some of India's finest displays of teamwork and skill. With the third Test approaching, fans will hope for another chapter of brilliance to be added to this storied rivalry.
