West Indies historic win against Australia in Gabba, breaks multiple records

The cricketing world witnessed a significant shift on Sunday as West Indies pulled off a historic win against Australia at the Gabba. For the second time in the last three years Australia’s Gabba fortress was breached.

The Gabba, in Brisbane has been regarded as a “Fortress” for Australia in Test cricket and has witnessed only two defeats in the past 20 years. But the Windies, fueled by unwavering determination and inspired performances defied the odds.

Kraigg Brathwaite and Co. pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the ongoing edition of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). The result also marks West Indies’s first victory in Brisbane since 1988 and just the second time Australia have lost at the Gabba in the same period.

For the first time since 1997, Australia lost a home Test to the West Indies, going down by eight runs after a collapse on day four of the final Test of the series. This sensational triumph marks the end of a 27-year wait for a West Indian Test victory on Australian soil.

Playing with an injured toe, Shamar Joseph, a young sensation, managed to dismantle Australia with his match-winning spell against the host in the second Test. Joseph finished with match figures of 7/68 in the second innings marking a notable contribution in the historic victory. He was named the ‘Player of the Match’ for his bowling heroics. 

West Indies and India are the only two teams to beat Australia at Gabba in the last 37 years. The victory also shattered several records, etching itself into the annals of cricketing history.

Records broken in the historic win

27-year drought shattered - The West Indies finally ended their 27-year wait for a Test victory over Australia.

Gabba fortress breached - The Gabba, Australia’s strong fortress, was conquered for the first time in a day-night Tests.

West Indies and Australia’s pink-ball winning streak - The West Indies snapped Australia’s 11-match unbeaten streak in pink-ball Tests.

Beyond the records, the West Indies victory was a celebration of the spirit of the game. It showcased the power of belief, teamwork and overcoming evidently invincible odds. It served as a reminder that in cricket, anything is possible and even the underdogs can rise to conquer giants.

The victory left many West Indies cricketers emotional including legendary player Brain Lara. The former West Indies captain, Lara who was in the commentary box at the iconic stadium in Brisbane, was unable to control his tears as he described the victory as a “big day in the history of West Indies cricket.” He was filled with emotions and joy as he was seen embracing fellow commentator Adam Gilchrist in the commentary box after Shamar Joseph got the last wicket of Josh Hazlewood.

“Unbelievable. 27 years to beat Australia in Australia. Young inexperienced written off! This West Indies team can stand tall today, West Indies cricket can stand tall today. Today is a big day in West Indies cricket. Congratulations, congratulations to every single member of that West Indies team,” - Brain Lara was seen saying in the video shared by commentator Mark Howard.

A lot has been said about the decline of West Indies cricket but the remarkable result at Gabba, by a young side should give the cricketing nation a big boost in morale.