India scripted a remarkable victory in Bangalore on Tuesday, beating Australia by 75 runs after being bowled out for 189 on the first day. Ashwin took his 25th five-wicket haul and Jadeja finished with phenomenal figures of 8-5-3-1 to dismiss Australia for 112, after setting a target of 188. The win, referred to as ‘by far the sweetest’ by captain Virat Kohli, levelled the Border-Gavaskar trophy at 1-1 and set the stage for the next matches.
Bangalore saw a closely-fought, topsy-turvy Test right from the first day. Batting first, KL Rahul scored 90 before India collapsed for 189 with Nathan Lyon registering record figures of 8 for 50. Australia then scored 276, with Jadeja taking a six-fer. In the second innings, India were rescued by Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane who put up a stand of 118 to give India a fighting lead.
The Bangalore Test was praised by fans across the world, with India and Australia not letting up on the intensity, even when wickets didn’t fall. From former cricketers to journalists to fans, everyone had nothing but good things to say about the match.
While former Indian cricketers praised Virat Kohli and Co’s character
Australian cricketers congratulated India and offered support to their team to bounce back in Ranchi
Cricket writers had some trivia and perspective to offer on the intense match as well
And then there was Dale Steyn who wanted to see Kohli, the fast bowler. Don’t we all?
Parting shot