THE CIRCLE OF LIFE

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney [January 6-10, 2015].

    

In the summer of 2014-15, the Indian cricket team toured Australia to play 4 test matches. At the conclusion of the third test, the hosts were leading the series 2-0. At one stage it appeared that they might win the third test as well. However, a fightback from the Indian batting line-up on Day 5 of the 4th Test meant that the test match ended in a draw. Shockingly, in the press conference of the Third Test, Indian Captain MS Dhoni announced his retirement from Test Cricket, and young Virat Kohli was appointed as the Test Captain of the Indian Cricket Team. Hence, it was the dawn of a new era. Interestingly, Kohli, in the absence of Dhoni, captained the Indian team in the first test at Adelaide. Thus, it was seen as a proper passing of the baton from a charismatic leader to a Young Turk. 

The script of the fourth test was nothing different from the previous tests. Australian Captain Steve Smith won the toss and elected to bat first. Openers David Warner and Chris Rogers gave Aussies a dream start as they stitched a massive opening partnership of 200 runs. Warner scored a quickfire 100, whereas Rogers (95) missed his 100 by the barest of margins. Moreover, the slaughter continued even after both the openers were dismissed. Captain Steve Smith scored his 4th tonne of the series as the Aussies declared at a massive score of 572/7. Apart from Smith, Watson, Shaun Marsh and Burns also scored gritty half-centuries as Indians struggled for wickets. 

In response, Kohli responded strongly with his bat as he scored a massive 147 of 230 deliveries. In an innings which lasted for more than 5 hours, he smashed 20 boundaries and replied to the Australian fire with fire. It was pure class from King Kohli, who was literally in the form of his life. Apart from Kohli, KL Rahul also scored his maiden century as the Indians were bowled out for 475 in their first innings. 

Interestingly to win the 4th test, Aussies set India a target of 349 runs in 90 overs. They expected to steamroller the visitors on the final day. However, an Indian fightback on Day 5 meant that the match ended in a draw. The Aussies won the series 2-0 as Steve Smith was awarded both man of the match and man of the series. 

Interestingly, four years later, the Indian team led by Virat Kohli breached the Australian fortress as India won their first test series in Australia. However, the 2025 Sydney Test also saw the last of Virat Kohli as he retired from test cricket after this test. Moreover, Kohli was the stand-in captain in the Sydney Test, as Bumrah was injured. The ground which saw the beginning also saw the end of the great Virat Kohli.

To watch the innings of Kohli and Rahul, Click Here. 

To watch the last day resistance of Team India, Click Here.