India and Australia have a fierce cricket rivalry. The BGT 2023-24 will add a thrilling chapter to their history. India has dominated this contest in recent years. They have kept the trophy since the 2016-17 series. As fans prepare for the first Test on November 22 at the Perth Stadium, let’s look back at their last clash. It was in the final Test of the BGT 2023.
India vs Australia: The Last Test of BGT 2023
India’s last Test with Australia was in March 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India clinched the series 2-1 after a hard-fought draw. But, there were some standout individual performances.
Usman Khawaja’s Marathon Knock
The Ahmedabad pitch was slow and good for batting. Australia used the conditions well after choosing to bat. Usman Khawaja showcased immense patience. He anchored the innings with a brilliant 180 off 422 balls, including 21 fours. Cameron Green’s aggression matched his gritty century. He scored his maiden Test ton, smashing 114 runs off 170 balls.
Thanks to these stellar performances, Australia scored 480 runs in its first innings. For India, Ravichandran Ashwin was the star bowler. He took six wickets for 91 runs. His effort kept the Aussies from running away with the game.
Virat Kohli’s Masterclass: 186 Runs in Ahmedabad
India batted with great strength, led by an inspired Virat Kohli. He ended his century drought with 186 runs off 364 balls. Kohli displayed unmatched composure and skill, striking 15 fours during his marathon knock. He was well-supported by Shubman Gill, who smashed an elegant 128 off 235 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six.
Lower down the order, Axar Patel made a quick fifty (79 off 113 balls). This helped India to a first-innings total of 571, a lead of 91 runs.
A Slow End to a Gripping Contest
Despite the early promise of a result, the match slowed down in the final innings. Australia batted out the remaining time, scoring 175/2 before the match ended in a draw. The draw gave India the series and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. It continued their dominance in this iconic rivalry.
Key Performances in Numbers
| Player | Performance |
| Virat Kohli | 186 [ 364 balls, 15 fours ] |
| Shubman Gill | 128 [ 235 balls, 12 fours, 1 six ] |
| Axar Patel | 79 [ 113 balls, 5 fours, 4 sixes ] |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 6/91 [ 47.2 overs ] |
| Cameron Green | 114 (170 balls, 18 fours) |
| Usman Khawaja | 180 (422 balls, 21 fours) |
What to Expect in BGT 2023-24
As the stage is set for another gripping series, both teams will look to build on their strengths. India, confident from their home record, will try to dominate. Australia will aim to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after nearly eight years.
The series opener at Perth’s bouncy pitch will provide a stark contrast to the spin-friendly wicket in Ahmedabad. It will be an exciting contest for players and fans alike.
