On This Day in 2023: India Crush Australia by an Innings in Historic Nagpur Test Win
Test cricket has witnessed many dominant home performances, but on this day in 2023, India delivered one of their most emphatic wins against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. At the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, India secured a crushing innings and 132-run victory, setting the tone for the series in commanding fashion.
The defining moment of the match came early when Australia were bundled out for just 91 in their first innings, their lowest-ever Test total in India. The pitch offered assistance to spin, but it was the sheer skill and discipline of India’s spinners that proved decisive. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin ran riot, exploiting the conditions with precision and control.
Jadeja, returning to Test cricket after injury, marked his comeback with a stunning five-wicket haul in the first innings. Ashwin complemented him perfectly, ensuring Australia never recovered from their early collapse. The duo eventually shared 15 wickets in the match, underlining once again why they are considered one of the most formidable spin partnerships in modern Test cricket.
India’s response with the bat was equally authoritative. Captain Rohit Sharma led from the front, crafting a magnificent century, his first as India’s Test captain. His knock combined patience with calculated aggression, laying the foundation for India’s commanding total. Rohit’s ability to tackle both pace and spin with composure ensured that India capitalized fully on Australia’s fragile first innings.
However, the lower middle order’s contribution transformed a strong position into total dominance. Ashwin, sent in as a nightwatchman, displayed resilience and technique, holding firm when needed. Ravindra Jadeja then extended India’s advantage with a composed half-century, stitching together a crucial 88-run partnership with Axar Patel. Axar’s fluent 84 further deflated the Australian attack, as India posted a formidable total of 400.
Australia’s lone bright spark in an otherwise dismal outing was debutant offspinner Todd Murphy. Playing his first Test match, Murphy showcased remarkable composure and control to claim seven wickets in India’s innings. On a surface that assisted spin, the young offspinner extracted turn and bounce consistently, dismissing key Indian batters and announcing his arrival on the international stage with authority.
Yet, Murphy’s heroics were overshadowed by India’s complete dominance. Forced to follow on effectively under immense pressure, Australia once again succumbed to the relentless spin attack. Ashwin’s variations and Jadeja’s accuracy proved too much, sealing a famous victory for the hosts.
This Nagpur triumph was not just a win, it was a statement. It reinforced India’s supremacy at home and highlighted the enduring impact of their spin twins. Years from now, this match will be remembered as the day when Ashwin and Jadeja spun a web Australia simply could not escape.
The defining moment of the match came early when Australia were bundled out for just 91 in their first innings, their lowest-ever Test total in India. The pitch offered assistance to spin, but it was the sheer skill and discipline of India’s spinners that proved decisive. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin ran riot, exploiting the conditions with precision and control.
Jadeja, returning to Test cricket after injury, marked his comeback with a stunning five-wicket haul in the first innings. Ashwin complemented him perfectly, ensuring Australia never recovered from their early collapse. The duo eventually shared 15 wickets in the match, underlining once again why they are considered one of the most formidable spin partnerships in modern Test cricket.
India’s response with the bat was equally authoritative. Captain Rohit Sharma led from the front, crafting a magnificent century, his first as India’s Test captain. His knock combined patience with calculated aggression, laying the foundation for India’s commanding total. Rohit’s ability to tackle both pace and spin with composure ensured that India capitalized fully on Australia’s fragile first innings.
However, the lower middle order’s contribution transformed a strong position into total dominance. Ashwin, sent in as a nightwatchman, displayed resilience and technique, holding firm when needed. Ravindra Jadeja then extended India’s advantage with a composed half-century, stitching together a crucial 88-run partnership with Axar Patel. Axar’s fluent 84 further deflated the Australian attack, as India posted a formidable total of 400.
Australia’s lone bright spark in an otherwise dismal outing was debutant offspinner Todd Murphy. Playing his first Test match, Murphy showcased remarkable composure and control to claim seven wickets in India’s innings. On a surface that assisted spin, the young offspinner extracted turn and bounce consistently, dismissing key Indian batters and announcing his arrival on the international stage with authority.
Yet, Murphy’s heroics were overshadowed by India’s complete dominance. Forced to follow on effectively under immense pressure, Australia once again succumbed to the relentless spin attack. Ashwin’s variations and Jadeja’s accuracy proved too much, sealing a famous victory for the hosts.
This Nagpur triumph was not just a win, it was a statement. It reinforced India’s supremacy at home and highlighted the enduring impact of their spin twins. Years from now, this match will be remembered as the day when Ashwin and Jadeja spun a web Australia simply could not escape.
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