Arguably, India came up with the performance of a lifetime to tame the mighty Aussies at their backyard, as the former successfully defended the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by winning the final Test at The Gabba in Brisbane, on Tuesday. As a result, India has become the first Asian side to win successive Test series, Down Under.
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The win was of great significance for Team India and an emotional one, owing to the fact the side was running on limited resources. Moreover, with as many as nine injuries, the side failed to field the prime squad, as a second-string squad did rise to the occasion and produced a memorable performance.
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The Indian win attracted immense praise from all the cricketing fraternity. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia, too, penned an emotional letter to Team India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India, thanking them for the memories, besides supporting their commitment, trust, and friendship.
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“Australian cricket will forever be grateful to the BCCI for their friendship, trust and commitment in helping to deliver a series that has brought joy to many millions of people around the world at a time they needed it most. The unique challenges of international touring during a global pandemic are considerable and we thank India’s players, coaches and support staff for all they have given,” the letter read.
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“Over the past nine weeks, the Indian and Australian men’s teams completed outstanding One-Day International and Twenty20 International series, followed by one of the greatest Border-Gavaskar Test series ever contested. Despite the many public health and logistical challenges, the BCCI engaged with a spirit of cooperation befitting their status as one of international sport’s greatest ambassadors,” further noted the letter.
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“Over the past nine weeks, the Indian and Australian men’s teams completed outstanding One-Day International and Twenty20 International series, followed by one of the greatest Border-Gavaskar Test series ever contested. Despite the many public health and logistical challenges, the BCCI engaged with a spirit of cooperation befitting their status as one of international sport’s greatest ambassadors,” further noted the letter.
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“From the sublime fast bowling of Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins, to the wonderful batting of Ajinkya Rahane and Steve Smith, to the exciting debuts of Shubman Gill and Cameron Green - and much, much more - the past two months of cricket have been absolutely enthralling. We will never forget the sacrifices made by our friends at the BCCI that made all this possible,” the letter continued.
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“May we also take this opportunity to thank everyone who played their part to deliver this memorable series - governments, health officials, venues, broadcast and commercial partners, cricket associations, players, match officials, staff and their families. On behalf of everyone at Cricket Australia, we congratulate Team India for the resilience, courage and skill demonstrated in retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in a series that will be talked about for generations to come,” concluded the letter.
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As India continues to celebrate the win, it would fly back to India on Wednesday, to shift its focus to the upcoming four-Test series against England, next month, at home. As for Australia, it would now take on trans-Tasman rival New Zealand in limited-overs action. India and Australia are scheduled to square off again in a four-Test series next year, in India.
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