Top 5 knocks by an Indian in Tests at The Gabba ahead of BGT 2024-25 3rd Test ft. Murali Vijay
Anticipation is building as India and Australia prepare for the third Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on Saturday, December 14, at The Gabba in Brisbane.
The visitors were outstanding in the first Test, securing an impressive 295-run victory in Perth. However, the hosts bounced back in the second (pink-ball) Test in Adelaide, claiming a dominant 10-wicket win to level the series 1-1 after two matches in the five-game series.
The focus now shifts to Brisbane, where India secured a memorable victory during their 2020-21 tour. That remains India's only win at The Gabba in seven Tests, with the rest ending in losses and one draw. As the third Test approaches, let’s take a look at the top five knocks by an Indian in Tests at The Gabba.
#5 Shubman Gill - 91
Ranked fifth on the list is Shubman Gill’s impressive knock of 91 runs in the fourth and final Test of the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Batting first, Australia posted 369, with Marnus Labuschagne contributing 108 runs. In response, fifties from Washington Sundar (62) and Shardul Thakur (67) helped India reach 336 in their first innings.
In Australia’s second innings, Steven Smith top-scored with 55 as the team added 294 runs, setting India a target of 328. Shubman Gill played a key role in the chase, falling short of a well-deserved century with 91 off 146 balls, and laid the foundation for India’s pursuit of the target.
Cheteshwar Pujara (56) and Rishabh Pant (89*) also made significant contributions as India won the match by three wickets.
#4 Murali Vijay - 144
India faced Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane, in the second Test of the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Opener Murali Vijay was exceptional for India, scoring 144 runs off 213 balls, including 22 boundaries. Ajinkya Rahane also contributed with 81 runs as India posted 408 in their first innings.
In response, Australia’s skipper Steven Smith led the charge with an impressive 133, helping the hosts reach 505 in their first innings. India struggled in their second innings, being dismissed for just 224, which set Australia a target of 128 runs. Australia eventually won the match by four wickets.
#3 Sourav Ganguly - 144
The Gabba hosted the opening match of India’s 2003-04 tour to Australia. After being asked to bat first, Justin Langer’s 121 helped Australia score 323 runs in their first innings.
In response, Indian captain Sourav Ganguly led the way with a brilliant 144 off 196 balls, including 18 boundaries, as India posted 409 runs. Australia declared their second innings at 284/3, with Matthew Hayden contributing a solid 99. India ended their second innings at 73/2, and the match concluded in a draw.
#2 Rishabh Pant - 89*
Second on the list is Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89-run knock from India’s 2020-21 tour to Australia. This came in the fourth innings as India chased down a target of 328 runs. While Shubman Gill (91) and Cheteshwar Pujara (56) anchored the chase, Pant finished the job.
The left-handed batter remained not out on 89 off 138 balls, with nine boundaries and one six to his name. India secured a historic three-wicket victory, becoming the first team in 32 years to defeat Australia in a Test at The Gabba.
#1 Sunil Gavaskar - 113
Topping the list is Sunil Gavaskar’s 113-run knock, which came in 1977 during the first Test of the five-match series in Brisbane. Bishan Singh Bedi’s five-wicket haul helped India dismiss Australia for just 166 runs in their first innings.
However, the Indian batting line-up faltered and they were bowled out for 153. Australia then posted 327 runs in their second innings, setting India a target of 341. Gavaskar played brilliantly in the chase, scoring 113 off 264 balls. Unfortunately, he couldn’t lead India to victory and the visitors lost by 16 runs.