✍Surbhi Dinesh Singh Khichi

As India loses the second test in the five match test series of the Border Gavaskar trophy; the Grand BGT the question arises is – the qualification challenge for India in the upcoming  ICC World Test Championship (2023 – 25). The dramatic test series continues to surprise the fans of cricket worldwide with India winning the first test with a record 295 runs at Perth, on the contrary doomed in the second by 10 wickets.

 It is for the first time when the one match series has stretched to a five match tournament.  Presently, the teams stand 1-1. As we gear up for the third test, here’s a take on the history left behind, the present scenario and what comes next?

A look back at the BGT

The BGT has been named after Cricket legends, Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar. Out of the 58 matches played by far, India has won 25 and the Aussies stand with 21 victories. Out of the 16 series played before this, India leads with 10 wins and Australia behind with a 5, while a single drawn series since 1996. The series has earned a reputation for itself with much anticipation and the quality cricket. It has grown significant over the years, now often been compared to the Ashes played between Australia and England.

It has been a decade and a half, India has improved consistently with performing wonders on Australian soil, simultaneously not allowing the Kangaroos to firm their feet on the Indian pitches. It was in 2014-15 when Australia won the BGT series and that too was at home itself. India has won four consecutive series since 2016-17, two of them on the host’s fortress. While back in India, needless to say…the Desis dominate by winning 18 out of 29 matches losing only six to the visitors. India average 34.04 per wicket and concede 33.78 against Australia (since 2007). Over time, in 33 years, India could say, “Toota hai Gabba ka ghamand.”

The present scene

Keeping the Gaba miracle of 2021 and the success at WACA in 2007 aside, let us study the present. It was quite a historic win at Perth in the first test match, however on 8th December, the happiness vanished with Australia finished it off within four overs alone here at Adelaide. Now its time for the Gabba test again and India needs to make a comeback. The disappointing performance demands some significant changes by the management. These include:

• The crucial return of Shami -  Mohammad Shami is all set to return on the test field in the 4th and 5th test at Melbourne and Sydney. The leading fast bowler of India hold a record 44 wickets in 12 matches against Australia, with only Jasprit Bumrah leveling up to him. Out of these, 31 were taken on Australian pitches. With his return, the pressure on Bumrah shall be lifted.
• Replacing Harshit Rana – Harshit Rana made an impressive start at Perth. But in the second test, he was way too disappointing with the ball, giving 86 runs in 16 overs, that too without any wicket. Having played only ten first class matches with not enough experience of the red ball, it calls for a replacement. The suggested players in the squad have been Prasiddh Krishna and Akash Deep.
• Rohit Sharma back as opener-  The Indian skipper came to bat at No.6 in Adelaide. There’s no need of this kind of change at the moment. Instead, his experience, style and the start with the new ball will help India build the innings. He will give the confidence to the top order and a platform to the middle order.
• Ravindra Jadeja or Washington Sundar to be included- Cric experts suggest that R. Ashwin shall be replaced by Ravindra Jadeja or Washington Sundar. Jadeja’s batting, bowling and fielding have been consistent over the years, he will provide stability and depth. While Washington Sundar scored 29 runs in the 1st test, he also took two important wickets in the 2nd test. Not to forget, Sundar was a key player during the win at Gabba.

What’s in next?

With a massive loss by 10 wickets in the second test at Adelaide, the hopes of India qualifying for the WTC 2025 dwindled a bit. Because of the loss, India’s point percentage slipped from 61.11 to 57.29 dropping it from the top two. Now, it lies below South Africa as well. In order to qualify for the third successive final of WTC, India needs to win all of the upcoming three tests of the series. It can only afford a draw, not a loss. The wins will give 146 straight points to the men in blue. And if it fails to, the final shall slip from its hands to South Africa contesting against Australia. The situation has toughened ever since India was whitewashed by New Zealand 0-3, leading India to its sixth test defeat and a fourth within two months.

Now is India’s chance to dazzle again on the world cricket arena after winning the ICC T20 World cup in June 2023, that too standing tall on its own, without depending on the losses of its counterparts.