India celebrate winning the series and the Border-Gavaskar trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground [Source: theguardian]

A dominant India won their first-ever Test series in Australia by a margin of 2-1 after play in the fourth and final Test in Sydney was abandoned due to rain on Monday.

Australia were still trailing by 316 runs when the match was called off as a draw, ending India’s 71-year wait after wins in Adelaide and Melbourne. It is the first time India managed the feat since they began touring Australia in 1947-48.

Consequently, Virat Kohli became the first Indian as well as the first Asian captain to win a Test series in Australia.

India reinforced their status as the world’s number one team and retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a historic 2-1 series win.

India had ripped through the Australian tail in Sydney on a shortened Day Four, when bad light and rain allowed only around 100 minutes of play, bowling the hosts out for 300 in reply to their own ominous 622 for seven declared.

Australia then suffered the indignity of being forced to follow on at home for the first time in 30 years as Kohli twisted the knife.

Only four overs of their second innings were possible, with Marcus Harris not out two and Usman Khawaja unbeaten on four before the match was called off.

India cricket team captain Virat Kohli said by far, this was his biggest achievement.

“I want to say I’ve never been more proud of being part of a team, than this one right here. The boys make the captain look good. By far. It’s at the top of the pile.”

Australia skipper Tim Paine paid tribute to India.

“Have to tip our hat to India, we know how tough it is to win in Australia so congrats to Virat and (coach) Ravi (Shastri) because it’s a huge achievement,” he said. Disappointed, definitely over the last two Tests. We had our chances in Adelaide, in Perth I thought we played some good cricket, but in Melbourne and Sydney, we’ve been outplayed.”

India got the series off to the best possible start by winning the tight opening Test in Adelaide by 31 runs on the fifth day – their first Test win in Australia for a decade.

[Source: ndtv]