On This Day: India Secures Historic Test Victory in Australia - December 10, 2018

On this day in 2018, Indian cricket etched its name in history by securing its first Test victory in Australia in a decade, thanks to a remarkable innings by Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored an impressive 194 runs. This significant win occurred during the Adelaide Test, part of the 2018-19 Border Gavaskar Trophy, a series that marked a golden era for Indian cricket.

Under the dynamic captaincy of Virat Kohli, the Indian team embarked on an ambitious tour of Australia, encompassing three ODIs, three T20Is, and a four-match Test series. With a promising start to the Test campaign, India clinched a thrilling 31-run victory in the first match at the Adelaide Oval, marking their first Test win on Australian soil in ten years.

Pujara was nothing short of sensational, crafting his innings with finesse and determination, highlighted by a magnificent century in the first innings that proved vital for India’s success.

Winning the toss, Kohli opted to bat first, but Australia unleashed a fierce bowling attack, leaving the Indian top order in disarray. KL Rahul and Kohli managed paltry single-digit scores, while Murali Vijay and Ajinkya Rahane could only muster 11 and 13 runs respectively.

Despite the early setbacks, Pujara exhibited exceptional composure and skill as he negotiated the challenging conditions. Rohit Sharma, stepping in at No. 6, contributed a crucial 37 runs off 61 balls, while both Rishabh Pant and Ravichandran Ashwin were dismissed for 25 runs each.

Unfortunately, Pujara fell victim to a run-out, but his innings of 123 runs laid the foundation for India’s total of 250 in the first innings. For Australia, Josh Hazlewood took three wickets, while Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon claimed two wickets each.

The Australian batsmen faced difficulties on the tricky Adelaide pitch, with Travis Head emerging as their top performer with a score of 72, enabling them to finish their first innings at 235 runs.

Holding a slender lead of 15 runs, India sought to extend their advantage, with KL Rahul providing a spirited start after Murali Vijay's early dismissal. Rahul smashed a quick 44 runs before the Indian side faced another collapse.

As the pitch began to favour spin on the later days, Nathan Lyon capitalized with a stellar six-wicket haul, putting the Indian batting lineup under pressure. However, Pujara delivered once again, scoring a key 71 runs, while Rahane steadied the innings with a composed 70 off 147 deliveries. India was ultimately bowled out for 307, setting Australia a target of 323 runs for victory.

In the face of the daunting chase, Australian batsmen faltered, with only Shaun Marsh and Tim Paine providing resistance. Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Mohammed Shami combined to share nine wickets at the top of their game, skittling the hosts for 291 runs.

Pujara's exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade, sealing a momentous victory that would be remembered for years to come.