For the first time in a decade, India has surrendered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a series that historically defined India’s dominance in Test cricket. While much attention has been directed at the faltering Indian top-order, it’s imperative to look beyond the obvious and dissect an issue that consistently haunted the visitors throughout the series: our inability to dismiss Australia’s lower-order efficiently.
The numbers paint a damning picture of India’s bowlers and their failure to close out innings. Australia’s last five wickets contributed a staggering 991 runs in eight innings at an average of 123.87 per innings. In contrast, India’s lower-order managed 942 runs in 9 innings at an average of 104.67.
The crucial difference isn’t just in the averages but in the context of those runs. Australia’s bowlers—players picked primarily for their bowling—made meaningful contributions that changed the course of matches, while India’s lower-order was bolstered by an extra batter in Washington Sundar, who didn’t even bowl much.
Innings-Wise Analysis: The Australian lower-order’s dominance
1st Test, Perth
- India dominated with a 295-run win, but the warning signs were already there.
- Australia’s last five wickets added 66 and 159 runs in their two innings, showcasing the resistance that would become a theme.
2nd Test, Adelaide
- Australia’s 10-wicket win was built on their tail’s resilience.
- While India’s last five added 93 and 70, Australia’s lower-order scored 129 in the first innings—a decisive factor.
3rd Test, Brisbane (Drawn)
- The only draw of the series, and again, the Aussie tail wagged.
- Australia’s lower-order contributed 119 and 56, while India’s tail managed a respectable 186 in the first innings.
4th Test, Melbourne
- Australia’s 184-run victory can be directly attributed to their tail’s brilliance.
- Australia added 228 and 149 runs in their two innings, compared to India’s 210 and a dismal 28.
5th Test, Sydney
- A 6-wicket loss sealed the series defeat for India.
- Even here, Australia’s last five wickets chipped in with 85 runs, while India’s lower-order managed just 65 and 33 runs.