The final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia began on Friday at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Trailing 2-1 in the five-match series, India must win this Test to retain the coveted trophy. With regular captain Rohit Sharma opting to rest, Jasprit Bumrah has been handed the captaincy. Gujarat pacer Bumrah leads the side with Shubman Gill replacing Rohit in the playing XI.
Bumrah’s leadership has previously brought success, as he captained India to victory in the series opener when Rohit was on paternity leave. Fans and players alike hope for a similar outcome in this high-stakes clash.
India, however, struggled with the bat on day one, managing only 185 runs before being bowled out. Despite the modest total, Bumrah made an immediate impact with the ball, dismissing Australian opener Usman Khawaja for just two runs on the final ball of the day. This left Australia at 9-1 after three overs, keeping India in the contest.
The match holds additional significance for Bumrah, as he equalled a historic record on Friday. The fast bowler matched former Indian captain and legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi’s tally of 31 wickets in an overseas Test series, a feat Bedi achieved during the 1977-78 India-Australia series. Bumrah reached this milestone by having Khawaja caught at second slip by KL Rahul.
With 31 wickets in the ongoing series, Bumrah has the opportunity to surpass Bedi’s record when Australia resumes its innings on Saturday. He also stands within striking distance of breaking two other Indian records.
Harbhajan Singh holds the record for the most wickets in a Test series between India and Australia, with 32 wickets in three matches during the 2001 series in India. Meanwhile, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar’s record of 35 wickets in a single Test series, achieved during India’s tour of England in 1972-73, remains India’s all-time highest.
Should Bumrah take at least five more wickets in this match, he will rewrite history by breaking all three records. His performance will not only impact the outcome of the Test but also etch his name alongside the legends of Indian cricket.
Australia will resume their innings on Saturday, needing a draw to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while India fights to retain it and keep their hopes alive for a place in the World Test Championship final.
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