Published By: Sayan Guha

BGT: Remembering Kapil Dev’s Heroics! The Pain-Defying Spell That Stunned Australia

Amidst injuries, controversies, and nail-biting tension, Kapil Dev bowled through unimaginable pain to script one of India’s finest Test victories at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

For cricket fans, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy brings back memories of historic India-Australia matches. India’s visit to Australia begins with a match in Perth on November 22, eliciting both passion and nostalgia.

A significant moment in the rivalry between India and Australia took place during India’s 1980-81 tour, well before the series named after legends Alan Border and Sunil Gavaskar. Notably, in the third Test at Melbourne, Kapil Dev, despite suffering from a severe hamstring injury, made an extraordinary effort that led India to a historic victory. This achievement left a lasting impact on Indian cricket

A clash of titans down under

India’s 1980-81 tour of Australia was fierce, including superstars such as Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee, and Allan Border. India, headed by Sunil Gavaskar and bolstered by players such as Gundappa Viswanath and Kapil Dev, was confident following a home success. However, despite a crushing defeat in the first Test and a tense draw in the second, Australia had emerged as favourites by the time they reached Melbourne. What came next was nothing short of extraordinary.

Gavaskar and the great walk-off drama

India’s second innings in the third Test began well, with openers Gavaskar and Chetan Chauhan putting on a 165-run partnership. However, controversy erupted when Gavaskar was declared LBW after reaching 70, claiming that the ball had first touched his bat. He had harsh remarks with Dennis Lillee, pushing Chauhan to leave in protest. 

The team manager defused the stressful situation, avoiding a forfeit. This event energised India, who scored 324 runs, leaving Australia needing 143 to win. With the series in peril, Kapil Dev delivered a memorable performance.

Kapil’s pain barrier and unstoppable will

Kapil’s journey to this pivotal moment was fraught with challenges. He had spent the first half of the test match in the medical room, struggling with a hamstring injury. However, with the series on the line, Kapil realised his team needed him. After receiving pain relief injections and bandaging his thigh on the final day, he returned to the field. Although the target was modest, facing Australia’s top order was no easy feat, and an Indian victory seemed unlikely. Nevertheless, Kapil had other plans.

At 40 for 4, Karsan Ghavri and Dilip Doshi set the tone, and Kapil cast a spell for the ages. His ball to Allan Border, Australia’s centurion in the first innings, was nothing short of magnificent. Border, who has tormented bowlers worldwide, was caught wonderfully down the leg side by Syed Kirmani. India was now in control, with Australia’s batting order unsettled.

Kapil’s decisive spell

As Australia struggled, Kapil’s fury escalated. Wickets fell one after another as he secured figures of 5 for 28, bowling with the accuracy and intensity of a man possessed. When he trapped Jim Higgs LBW to conclude the innings, the Australians were bowled out for just 83 runs. India achieved a remarkable 59-run victory, snatching triumph from the jaws of defeat. This was more than just a win; it marked a watershed moment for Indian cricket.

Score: India 237 & 324, Australia 419 & 83, India won by 59 runs.

The Melbourne Test remains one of India’s most famous victories and is remembered for its bravery and tenacity. Kapil Dev’s stunning stint that day exemplified the toughness of Indian cricket. India came home with their first-ever drawn Test series in Australia. Kapil emerged as a national hero, motivating future generations of cricketers to trust their abilities against the odds.