When the teams walked out in Dharamsala on Day 1, they saw a pitch that was easily the ‘odd-one-out’ in the 4 matches of this series. The surface was placid with a tinge of green on it and experts felt that it will hold up long enough. The temperature was pleasant and batsmen were licking their lips, eager to have a bat in Dharamsala, one of the most scenic grounds in the world. Usually, a holiday destination in the country, the small town was set to be the decider of this extremely competitive Test series.

When Australia won the toss, Steven Smith would have expected his team to score a massive total and apply some pressure on the Indian batsmen thereafter. However, they were caught off-guard when India, who were without Virat Kohli, gave a Test cap to young Kuldeep Yadav. The ‘chinaman’ bowler proved too hot to handle for most of the top Australian batsmen, with the exception of the skipper. The slide began when Kuldeep got his maiden Test wicket, in the form of David Warner, who scored his first 50+ score of the series. While Steve Smith romped away to his third century of the series, the middle-order capitulated and the lower-order took the total to 300, before getting bowled out.

Like Australia, the Indian batsmen started well, but lost their way in the afternoon session on Day 2. Nathan Lyon caused problems for the Indians yet again, picking up a five-wicket haul. Barring Vijay and Nair, all the Indian batsmen got their eyes in, but lost their wicket before walking the extra mile. It was even-stevens after the second innings. India had their noses slightly ahead with a lead of 32, thanks to an aggressive half century by Ravindra Jadeja and some able support by Wriddhiman Saha.

The curtains to the drama in this Test was raised in the third innings. The pitch was still playing sport and Australia would have expected themselves to set a decent target for India in the fourth innings. However, that was not to be. Umesh Yadav set the tone for India with the ball, as he sent the openers back very cheaply in a fiery spell of fast bowling. India’s spinning duo of Ashwin & Jadeja paired up once again to claim 6 wickets between them, bowling the Aussies out for just 137. It was quite ironic that their batsmen, who played exceptionally on a tougher pitch in Ranchi, couldn’t make the most on a better one over here.

With just 106 to win, and the Test mace to acquire, the Indians gunned it down with authority. India did lose Vijay and Pujara in quick succession, but stand-in captain, Ajinkya Rahane made a statement. He took on the fastest, and the most threatening pacer, Pat Cummins by hitting him for two consecutive sixes. KL Rahul donned the throne of ‘Mr. Consistent’ for India in this series and he stayed in with his skipper to take the team home, before lunch on Day 4.

This series win must be very special for Virat Kohli and his men, after their shocking loss in Pune. They were 0-1 down and doubts were seeded in fans’ minds. The pressure was always on India post that loss and they fought back to rise like a phoenix out of the ashes. As this arduous Test series reaches its conclusion, we leave you with some achievements and numbers that have stood out.

• This is the 4th time India have won a Test series after losing the first Test.
• India holds the Test series rubber (series wins) against all 9 Test nations! They are the third team to do so, after Australia and South Africa.
• India have won 7 of their last 8 Test series against Australia, at home.
• 142 wickets for Ravindra Jadeja – Most by a left-arm bowler in his first 30 Tests.