The 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test cricket series between fierce rivals Australia and India once again lived up to its reputation for producing thrilling contests and exemplary individual performances.
With a rich history stretching back to 1996, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has become one of the most prized trophies in the game, commemorating two icons of cricket in Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar.
The 2023 series, played out over four Test matches in India, saw several batsmen on both sides stamp their authority. Here is an in-depth review of the top run scorers in BGT 2023 and what their stellar performances revealed about the state of batting in modern Test cricket.
#1 Usman Khawaja Overcomes India with back-to-the-wall Batting
Veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja emerged as the leading run getter in the 2023 BGT series, compiling a mammoth 333 runs in 4 Tests. His runs were the bedrock of several Australian fightbacks as the visitors were often under pressure from India’s savvy spinners on turning pitches.
Khawaja demonstrated supreme concentration and stamina with several long innings:
- 123 runs off 226 balls in 1st Test
- 81 runs off 127 balls in 2nd Test
- Gritty 32 off 127 balls in 2nd innings when chasing history
- Final Test twin fifties (53, 57) under pressure
Batting at the top of the order, Khawaja regularly had to rebuild Australia’s innings after poor starts.
Using excellent footwork and soft hands to counter spin, along with his trademark patience and composure, he blunted India’s bowlers and laid the platform for the middle order. Khawaja’s longevity and versatility against all bowling types make him a modern batting great.
#2 King Kohli Dazzles with Statement Series
Modern batting genius Virat Kohli once again highlighted his insatiable appetite for big scores and winning performances.
His outstanding return of 297 runs at an average of 99 underpinned much of India’s dominance at home, back to his impenetrable best against both pace and spin.
Kohli’s exploits included:
- Gritty 79 on difficult pitch in 1st Test
- Artistic 62 to set up victory in 2nd Test
- Two centuries in the final Test (113 and 115) batting India into an unassailable position
Kohli’s trademark rhythm, intensity, and supreme confidence were on full display.
He tackled good length bowling with characteristic flair through cover and demonstrated certainly better use of feet against spin than most contemporaries. This marathon batting performance capped off his return to peak powers.
#3 Axar Patel Emerges as Batting Threat
One of the most surprising batting efforts came from Indian spin bowling all-rounder Axar Patel, blasting an incredible 264 runs coming in at number 8.
His fearless and skillful shot-making frequently changed matches with the tail and boosted India’s formidable lower middle order.
Innings highlights included:
- 84 runs off just 69 balls in 2nd Test, dominating counter-attack
- Quickfire 31 off 15 balls in 3rd Test
- 74 run stand with centurion Kohli to setup declaration
Combining measured strokeplay with clever strike rotation, Patel unlocked his potential as a genuine all-rounder after predominantly being utilized as a bowler previously.
His batting heroics directly contributed to India’s series victory.
#4 Marnus Labuschagne Nullified by India
Top ranked Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne endured a relatively quiet series by his prolific standards. Scoring 244 runs in 4 Tests, the rock-solid number three was far from his usual impenetrable self, frequently out thought and undone India’s crafty spinners.
That said, Labuschagne still produced some typically gutsy efforts:
- 92 runs off 204 balls in conditions favoring bowlers
- A lone half century with a refined 51 on tricky surface
Nullified by attacking fields, unpredictable spin and scoreboard pressure, this series represented a learning curve for Labuschagne at the highest level. Minor technical issues were exposed which top attacks will continue targeting.
#5 Hitman Rohit Lays Platform for Indian Dominance
Swashbuckling opener Rohit Sharma’s 242 runs including a crucial century laid the platform for several of India’s excellent team performances.
As captain, Rohit led from the front in trademark aggressive style, taking down four quality Australian pace bowlers.
Innings highlights included:
- 120 runs off 212 balls in India’s only innings in opening Test
- Starting the series with a boundary off first ball
- Six towering sixes dispatched
- Batting at over run a ball despite early wickets tumbling
Rohit’s courage and skill infused India with confidence to set the tone for the series. His controlled aggression in testing match situations highlighted his growth as both a tactful batsman and an inspirational leader.
Conclusion
The thrilling 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series showcased the ever evolving state of Test match batting. Veterans stepped up alongside emerging young talent and gritty lower order resistance.
While Australia’s batting faltered at key moments, India’s world class top six dominated proceedings to surge to a 2-0 series victory built on supreme individual performances. This sets up a mouthwatering potential rematch in 2023-2024.
Hello I am Gavin Hunt,
I has covered sports for over 20 years. I started writing for his college newspaper.
I reported on college sports. After graduating, became a sports reporter for a small local paper.
For ten years, I covered local high school and amateur games.
I profiled struggling athletes, inspiring readers. Later, I moved to the main city paper as lead columnist.
Now I travels nationally covering pro hometown teams.
My entertaining columns are widely read. With a big social media following, I has become the city’s top sports pundit.
