Australia’s First Come-from-Behind Test Series Win Since 1997

Breaking a Streak Against India

The last time Australia triumphed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was during the 2014/15 series, where they emerged 2-0 victors at home. In the four bilateral series since then, India had won each by a margin of 2-1, showcasing their dominance. However, the 2024/25 series proved to be a turning point.

Unprecedented Dominance Across Teams

Australia achieved a rare feat by holding series victories against all major opponents (excluding Afghanistan and Ireland) simultaneously for the sixth time in cricket history.

• They first accomplished this in 2004/05, retaining the titles until losing the Ashes in England in 2005.
• A similar run followed in 2006/07, ending in 2008/09 with a loss to South Africa.

Here’s how Australia’s recent series victories stack up:

Historic Comeback Wins

• 1997: Australia’s last series comeback victory was a 3-2 win over England after trailing 0-1.
• 1968/69: The previous instance of such a comeback at home occurred when Australia defeated the West Indies 3-1.

Shortest Test at the SCG in Over a Century

The Sydney Test lasted only 1141 deliveries, making it the shortest at the venue since 1896. The only two shorter matches here were:

• 911 balls in 1894/95 (Australia vs. England)
• 1129 balls in 1887/88 (Australia vs. England).

India’s Struggles with the Bat

India’s inability to post competitive scores contributed significantly to their downfall:

• They were bowled out for 185 & 157 in Sydney and for under 200 runs in two innings during the Adelaide Test.
• This marks the third instance since 2000 of India being bowled out for sub-200 totals in both innings twice in a series.
  • Previous occurrences: England (2014) and New Zealand (2002/03).

Boland’s Bowling Brilliance

Scott Boland was the standout performer for Australia, delivering remarkable statistics:

• 10/76: Boland’s figures were only the second instance of an Australian seamer taking 10 wickets in a Test at the SCG since 1900. The last such feat was Glenn McGrath’s 10/103 against India in 2000.
• 44.1% False Shot Rate: Boland’s ability to extract errors was unmatched, drawing the highest false shot percentage for a bowler delivering 20+ overs in a Test.

Other Milestones

• 21 Wickets at 13.19: Boland’s haul ranks as the second-best by a backup seamer playing three or fewer Tests in a series. Only Duanne Olivier’s 24 wickets against Pakistan in 2018/19 surpass it.
• Jasprit Bumrah’s 32 Wickets: Bumrah equaled Kapil Dev’s record for the most wickets by an Indian seamer in a Test series. He also matched Harbhajan Singh’s 32 scalps, the most in a series between India and Australia.

A Memorable Series

Australia’s comeback victory was a testament to their resilience and strength, ensuring a dominant series win against a competitive Indian side. With this triumph, they not only secured the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also cemented their position as a leading force in Test cricket heading into the WTC final.