The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is no stranger to riveting tales of dominance and resilience. Still, the Adelaide Test of 2020 stands out for reasons no Indian cricket fan would like to remember. This infamous match, held in the iconic Adelaide Oval, saw India collapse to their lowest-ever Test total—36 all out—leaving a scar on the psyche of players and fans alike. The stage was set for an enthralling contest as India, under the leadership of Virat Kohli, locked horns with Australia in the opening Test of the series. Despite a competitive performance in the first innings, India could not have anticipated the storm that awaited them on the third morning.
A Promising Start Turns Nightmarish
The Indian side displayed resilience in the first innings, posting a modest 244 runs on the board. Captain Kohli’s composed 74 stood out as a masterclass of patience and determination, with support from Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. Meanwhile, Australia’s response saw them bundled out for 191, granting India a lead of 53 runs and the upper hand. However, this advantage proved short-lived. What followed was a jaw-dropping collapse that sent shockwaves across the cricketing world. On the morning of Day 3, India faced a fiery Australian pace attack led by Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. Seam, swing, and relentless aggression unraveled the Indian batting line-up in just 21.2 overs. The scoreboard reflected a grim reality: 36 all out, with no batsman crossing double digits.
Hazlewood and Cummins: Masters of Destruction
Josh Hazlewood emerged as the hero for the Aussies, delivering a career-best spell of 5 wickets for just 8 runs in 5 overs. His partner-in-crime, Pat Cummins, scalped four wickets with equally devastating precision. The pair’s lethal bowling made India’s top-order look helpless, as edges flew to slip, the keeper, and gully in quick succession. Australia had little trouble chasing down the paltry target of 90 runs, sealing an eight-wicket victory and taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
A Lesson in Resilience
Though the Adelaide debacle could have derailed the entire series, it proved to be a turning point. Despite Kohli’s departure on paternity leave after this Test, stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane led an inspiring comeback. India scripted a historic turnaround to clinch the series 2-1, including the unforgettable triumph at the Gabba. Reflecting on the Adelaide Test, cricket fans view it as both a moment of humiliation and a catalyst for a resurgence. The “36 all out” innings, often referenced as a dark day in Indian cricket, ultimately became a testament to the team’s grit and ability to rise from the ashes. While the memories of this match evoke heartbreak, they also remind us why cricket is called the game of glorious uncertainties.