10 Glorious Moments at WACA cricket ground

The Western Australia Cricket Association ground commonly known as WACA has been a pinnacle in the world of cricket. WACA’s wicket is famous as the fastest wicket in the world. As the Burswood stadium gets ready in a couple of years WACA ground is all set to bid adios to international cricket.Preened on the banks of Swan River, the WACA ground has maintained its glory over the years. Fast bowlers always enjoyed bowling at the WACA. With modern cricket drifting in the batsman’s favour, WACA was one spot which bowlers treasured.Over the years, it has provided many spectacular moments across all formats of the game. As WACA signs off from international cricket let’s take a look at some of those unforgettable moments at this venue.

#1 A close encounter- India vs Australia 1977

Bishan Singh Bedi: Bob Simpson during his knock of 176

India won the 1st test on Aussie soil at Melbourne during the tour of 1977. It could well have been Perth instead of Melbourne for India’s first test victory over Aussies in their own backyard.

This was only the 2nd test at WACA and also 2nd test of that series. Australia managed to chase down the target of 339 with just 2 wickets to spare. It was indeed an iconic test match which went down to the wire for a nail-biting finish.

India scored 402 in the 1st innings and the hosts replied well with 396 as the Aussie captain Bob Simpson scored a gutsy 176. India once again piled up runs on board as Gavaskar and Amarnath scored tons in the 2nd innings.

But the real hero of that match was Bishan Singh Bedi. On a wicket that was known for fast bowling, Bedi took fifers in both innings taking India to close to what could have been a historic win. Chasing 339 Aussies were 330 for 6. Win was just around the corner but Bedi chipped in to dismiss Toohey and Rixon which was last recognized pair for Aussies. To add some flavor in this situation, the game was in the last 10 overs of play on day 5!

Eventually, the Aussie tail enders managed to secure victory with just 2 overs to spare. India went on to win the next 2 tests but lost the final one. It was 3-2 Australia and that was the closest India has ever got to win a series on Aussie soil. Such was the importance of that 2nd test at WACA.