India played their first Test match in Australia on 28 November 1947. And after a long wait of 71 years later, the Men in Blue celebrated their maiden Test series win Down Under on Monday, 7 January, after the weather-affected fourth match at the Sydney Cricket Ground finished in a draw.
Captain Virat Kohli's team entered the final day with hopes of a 3-1 series victory and also its first win at the SCG since 1978, but rain meant there was no play on Monday and umpires called it off early. As the draw gave India a 2-1 series win, congratulatory messages poured in from around the world.
Kudos to India for Recovering Lost Ground: Bishan Bedi
Former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi wrote, “Kudos to Team India for recovering lot of lost ground in South Africa and England. Truly remarkable feat – beating Australia for the first time in their own backyard. Two guys – Cheteshwar Pujara & Jasprit Bumrah personified consistency. All playing XI’s great resolve/determination helped cross the Rubicon.. Congrats All!”.
Amazing Day for Indian Cricket: Sachin Tendulkar
“An amazing day for Indian cricket! The resilience and determination of Team India has made this a series to be cherished. Proud of the boys,” wrote Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar.
It Took a Complete Team Effort: VVS Laxman
“Many congratulations Team India on this historic series win in Australia. It took a complete Team effort from every member of the side and it gives such an immense sense of satisfaction and joy to see what the boys have done on the field. Let's cherish this special series win,” said former India cricketer VVS Laxman.
Every Cricket Lover in India Will be Proud: Sehwag
“Congratulations Team India for this memorable win. Every cricket lover in India will be very proud of this one and a special effort by every member in the Team to ensure this result,” said former India cricketer Virender Sehwag.
Proud of You Guys: Harbhajan Singh
“Proud of you guys. Well done Team India for winning the test series in Australia. Congratulations Pujara for winning Man of the Series – you have been a backbone of Indian batting line up.. keep it up BCCI bowling wise Jasprit Bumrah has been phenomenal..love your work,” wrote Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh.
Superb Effort by India: Suresh Raina
“When was the last time you did something for the first time? Historic 1st Test Series win for India in Australia! Superb effort by #TeamIndia ! It may have ended in rain but that's not going to dampen the celebrations! Proud,” wrote Indian cricketer Suresh Raina.
Thrilling to Watch Bumrah: Mitchell Johnson
Former Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson lauded pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s efforts in the series. “Congratulations to the Indian cricket team for making history, winning in Australia for the first time is a proud achievement for all of India. Pujara & the whole Indian bowling attack was just unstoppable this series. Was thrilling to watch bowling,” he wrote.
Great for Players Around World to See Pujara: Vaughan
Former England captain Michael Vaughan praised Pujara, saying it was “great for all players around the world to see him the Man of the Series for the playing the Test Match way”.
Not Just a Team, This is a Family: Kohli
Winning captain Virat Kohli tweeted, “So proud to be a part of this team, great feeling! This is not just a team this is a family. Onwards and upwards from here on”.
It’s Been an Overwhelming Day: Pujara
Man of the Series Cheteshwar Pujara wrote, “It's been such a wonderful few weeks in Australia, something that has become historic! Every second the team put has paid off so well. Thank you all for the love and wishes pouring in. It's been an overwhelming day, a day I'll cherish for the rest of my life!”.
Such a Proud Moment: Bumrah
“History has been created! First ever Test series win on Australian soil. It's such a proud moment to be a part of the winning side. This win will be cherished for a long long time,” wrote Jasprit Bumrah.
Proud to be Part of This Group: Rishabh Pant
“What a historical series win guys. Proud to be part of this group. Incredible team work can’t ask for more. Congratulations everyone for making the history,” wrote Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Hardik Pandya
BCCI Admins Congratulate India
Vinod Rai (CoA chief): An amazing historic series win for the Indian team. A very comprehensive effort. Every member contributed. I congratulate the captain, the head coach and each player in the team for the remarkable performance put in by them. My heartiest accolades for the performance. Great show.
CK Khanna (acting president, BCCI): I wish to congratulate the Indian team for their series win in Australia and Virat Kohli for his superb captaincy. He led from the front.
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