The Gabba in Brisbane has long been heralded as Australia’s fortress, a venue where the home team has historically dominated. For India, this ground has been a place of both frustration and triumph, encapsulating the highs and lows of cricketing battles down under.
As India prepare for their next Test match at this iconic venue on December 14, 2024, it’s worth reflecting on their record here, marked by one of the most memorable victories in Test cricket history and several tough losses.
India’s rollercoaster of a journey at Brisbane
India’s journey at the Gabba has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Out of the seven Test matches they’ve played at this ground, India has managed to win only one – a remarkable feat achieved in January 2021. That victory came after 32 years of Australian invincibility at the Gabba, breaking a record that had stood since West Indies last defeated Australia there in 1988. In that historic match, Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89 guided India to chase down 328 runs, sealing a series victory against all odds.
However, the journey hasn’t always been kind to the Indian team. The latest encounter in the 2024 series saw India taste defeat in the second Test, which was a pink ball match. Opting to bat first, India managed a modest total of 180, largely due to the devastating bowling of Mitchell Starc, who claimed six wickets. Australia, led by Travis Head’s brilliant 140, posted a formidable 357, setting up a lead of 157 runs. In their second innings, India faltered again, scoring only 175 and setting Australia a mere 19 runs to win, which they chased down with ten wickets in hand.
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The historic low during initial days of India’s cricketing journey
Before celebrating their triumph in 2021, India’s journey at the Gabba began with one of its lowest points during their inaugural Test series in Australia in 1947-48. In that first Test match held from November 28 to December 4, 1947, India was bowled out for just 58 runs in their first innings—their lowest total at the Gabba and one of the lowest in Test history. Australia had set a daunting target after scoring 382 runs, with Don Bradman leading from the front with an impressive 185. The Indian batters were brutally exposed against the bounce and pace of the Australian pitches, folding for such a meagre score within just 21.3 overs. They followed up with another dismal performance in their second innings, managing only 98 runs, leading to an innings defeat by 226 runs—Australia’s largest margin of victory over India at that time.
The stark reality for Team India
India’s overall record at the Gabba stands at seven matches: five losses, one draw, and that singular victory in 2021. This stark record paints a picture of a venue where resilience, strategy, and sheer cricketing skill are tested to their limits. In contrast, Australia boast a more robust record at their home ground – playing 66 matches with 43 wins, 13 draws, and only ten losses. The Gabba has been a testament to their prowess in home conditions, especially in the longest format of the game.