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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2021 ‘Miracle’ at as stun Australia Record-breaking India clinch four-Test series 2-1 BRISBANE: India pulled off a record run- Sydney Test, blasted his 89 from 138 balls chase in a thrilling final session to hand with nine fours and a six. His innings fol- Australia their first defeat at Brisbane’s lowed an equally impressive knock from Gabba ground since 1988 and clinch the 21-year-old Shubman Gill, who made 91 at four-Test series 2-1 yesterday. the top of the order earlier in the day. Wicketkeeper starred with a swashbuckling 89 as the injury- ‘Completely outplayed’ depleted visitors overhauled the 328-run ’s 56 was also vital, target with three overs to go, winning by the gritty number three hit 10 times by three . Australia’s quicks, taking blows to the fin- Australia had not been beaten at the gers, arm, ribs and head as he was subject- Gabba since falling to ’ all- ed to a searching examination by Pat conquering West Indies side by nine wick- Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Cummins ets in November 1988. India’s 329 for sev- with 4-55 was easily the pick of the en also smashed the 69-year-old record Australian attack, but the rest of the for the biggest run-chase at the ground, bowlers looked fatigued after all set by Australia who scored 236 for seven day in Sydney just eight days ago. to beat the West Indies in 1951. “I’m absolutely disappointed, no doubt The Border-Gavaskar series win was a about that,” said Australia Tim stunning turnaround after India were Paine. “It’s probably a little bit of a trend bowled out for their lowest Test score of the whole series — I think in the key 36 to lose the first Test in Adelaide, before moments we were found wanting and bouncing back to win the second in completely outplayed by a really disci- Melbourne. plined, really tough Indian side who fully The visitors, ravaged by injuries and deserved the series win.” captain ’s absence for paternity Despite Australia’s fearsome record at leave, then bravely batted throughout the the Gabba, the Indian batsmen showed no final day to draw the third Test in Sydney. fear and never looked interested in playing Australian media called the win a “miracle”, for a draw, even after losing the wickets of while former England captain Michael Pujara and after tea. Pant BRISBANE: India’s players and officials celebrate with the winning trophy at the end of the fourth Test match between Australia Vaughan said it was “one of the greatest if took advantage of any loose ball, but also and India at The Gabba in Brisbane yesterday. — AFP not the greatest Test victory of all time”. played some outrageous strokes, showing “It really means a lot to us. I don’t know the influence of T20 cricket. they are never out of the contest. Their the first session, Australia could only Smith took a sharp catch. how to describe this victory but I’m really effort in the fourth Test is even more manage two after lunch, with Gill falling With Pujara putting down the anchor at proud of all the boys,” said India’s interim High injury toll admirable considering the high injury toll for his superb 91 and skipper Rahane a one end, Rahane raced to 24 from just 22 skipper Ajinkya Rahane. “They showed India started the day on four for none on tour. quickfire 24. balls before he edged Cummins to Paine to character, attitude, especially after the after bowling Australia out for 294 late on Their bowling attack was led by Gill was magnificent on a fifth-day leave India 167 for three. India looked in Adelaide Test match. We decided we’re the fourth day. Australia raised hopes of a Mohammad Siraj, who debuted in , smashing the Australian bowlers to control through the final session and going to fight really hard... and we just series-clinching Rohit Sharma edged Melbourne, supported by , all corners. He hit eight fours and two tow- despite losing three wickets in the last wanted to give our best.” Cummins to wicketkeeper Paine, who took , T Natarajan and ering sixes in his 146-ball innings before he hour, they got home with three overs to Man-of-the-match Pant, who played a a fine diving catch. But as India have , who had two Tests became ’s 398th Test victim, spare when Pant hit the winning four off similarly explosive innings in the drawn shown since their capitulation in Adelaide, between them. After just one wicket in edging an arm ball to first slip where Steve Hazlewood. — AFP