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 prepares 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 journey at the Gabba has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Out of the seven Test matches they’ve played at this ground, India have 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 a chase of 328, 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, thanks largely to the devastating bowling of Mitchell Starc, who clinched 6 wickets. Australia, led by Travis Head’s brilliant 140, posted a formidable 357, setting up a lead of 157 runs. India’s second innings was no better, scoring only 175, which set Australia a mere 19 runs to win, which they chased down with 10 wickets in hand.
India’s record at the Gabba stands at 7 matches, with 5 losses, 1 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. On the other hand, Australia has a more robust record at their home ground, playing 66 matches, winning 43, drawing 13, and losing 10. The Gabba has been a testament to their prowess in home conditions, especially in the longest format of the game.
The upcoming Test match on December 14, 2024, signifies another chapter in this storied rivalry at the Gabba. With the series already having seen India clinch a convincing 295-run victory in the first Test, the Indian team would be eager to rewrite their narrative at this venue. The challenge lies not just in overcoming the historical disadvantage but in adapting to the conditions that favor the Australian side, be it the bounce, the pace, or the psychological barrier of playing at a venue where Australia has rarely lost.
India’s Test record at the Gabba is a narrative of persistence, rare breakthroughs, and learning from defeats. As the teams prepare for the next encounter, the focus will be on how India can navigate through the challenges of this venue, where legends are made and history is either defended or rewritten. The Gabba continues to be a stage where cricket isn’t just played but lived, with each match adding to the rich tapestry of this enduring rivalry.
