Chapter 91 :

On December 10, 2020, Advay drove to the airport, his usual calm demeanor masking the slight excitement bubbling underneath. He was dressed in a white cashmere shirt and well-fitted denim, exuding effortless style.

As he leaned against the car, hands casually in his pockets, he spotted Ananya walking towards him. She was wearing a black turtleneck sweater, high-waisted beige trousers, and a long camel-colored coat, paired with dark sunglasses and ankle boots—the perfect blend of casual elegance.

Advay smirked slightly as she approached. "Someone's looking extra stylish today."

Ananya lowered her sunglasses slightly, smirking back. "Well, I can't have my fiancé outdressing me, can I?"

He chuckled, taking her suitcase effortlessly and leading her to the car. "Let's go. Welcome to Melbourne."

As Ananya settled into the passenger seat, adjusting her coat, Advay wasted no time. He reached over, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her closer. Before she could say anything, he tilted her chin up and kissed her—slow, deep, and filled with warmth.

For a moment, time seemed to pause, the sounds of the airport fading into the background.

When he finally pulled away, Ananya blinked, slightly dazed, before she smirked. "Well, that's a nice welcome."

Advay grinned, starting the car. "Had to remind you who you're here for."

She shook her head, amused, as she laced her fingers with his. "Like I could ever forget."

With that, he pulled out of the airport, the city lights reflecting in their eyes as they drove off together.

As Advay drove through the streets of Melbourne, the city lights reflecting off the sleek car, Ananya leaned back in her seat, gazing out the window. The streets were alive with movement, but inside the car, it felt like their own little world.

"So, how's the cricket superstar been?" Ananya asked, turning to him with a smirk.

Advay chuckled, one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually near her. "Same as always. Scoring runs, taking wickets, traumatizing Australian bowlers."

Ananya laughed. "The memes have been insane. I saw one where they photoshopped you onto Thanos, snapping bowlers out of existence."

Advay grinned. "Not my fault they keep bowling in my zone."

She shook her head, amused. "But seriously, you've been unbelievable this series. You make it look so easy."

He glanced at her, his expression softening slightly. "Well, you know me. I just do my thing."

They drove in comfortable silence for a moment, passing by the Yarra River, the illuminated skyline stretching across the water. The cool night air drifted in through the slightly open windows.

"It's nice," Ananya murmured, looking at the city. "Just driving around like this. No cameras, no attention. Just us."

Advay glanced at her, then back at the road. "Yeah… feels good to just breathe sometimes."

She smiled, reaching over to squeeze his hand. "I missed you."

He smirked, squeezing back. "Took you long enough to say it."

She rolled her eyes, but there was warmth in them. "Shut up and drive."

After driving around Melbourne, Advay and Ananya stopped at a high-end restaurant, the warm lighting and soft background music creating the perfect atmosphere.

Seated in a private booth, Ananya scanned the menu, while Advay casually leaned back, watching her with a smirk.

"So, what's next for Bollywood's rising star?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ananya glanced up, setting the menu down. "I start filming my next movie right after your Test series. It's an action-romance."

Advay tilted his head. "Action, huh? Are we talking full-on stunts, or just running dramatically in the rain?"

She rolled her eyes, laughing. "Full-on stunts, Mr. Cricketer. They're even making me do combat training for it."

Advay grinned. "So, you'll be doing your own stunts? No body double?"

She nodded proudly. "Of course! I want it to look as real as possible."

Advay smirked, taking a sip of his drink. "Great. Now, if I ever get into trouble, I know who to call."

Ananya laughed, shaking her head. "Yes, yes, I'll protect you."

Their food arrived, and as they ate, the conversation shifted between movies, cricket, and random memories, just the two of them enjoying each other's company.

After dinner, Advay and Ananya headed back to the hotel, the cool night air making the city lights shimmer even brighter. The drive was quiet, comfortable—just the occasional glance, a soft smile exchanged between them.

The moment they entered the suite, Advay loosened his shirt cuffs, stretching slightly. "Long day?" he asked, smirking at Ananya.

She kicked off her heels, sighing. "You have no idea."

He grinned, walking toward her. "Well, let's fix that."

Without another word, he took her hand, leading her to the bathroom. The warm water ran as they stepped in together, steam rising around them. They moved in sync, washing off the exhaustion of the day, their touches lingering, their whispers soft.

Once they were done, wrapped in fresh clothes, they settled onto the couch in the suite, scrolling through movies.

"What are we watching?" Ananya asked, resting her head against his shoulder.

Advay smirked. "Your movie?"

She shoved him playfully. "No way. I'm not watching myself on screen with you."

He chuckled, wrapping an arm around her. "Fine, fine. Pick whatever you want."

She finally chose a classic rom-com, and as the movie played, they sat entwined on the couch, lost in their own little world.

As the movie ended, the credits rolling softly on the screen, Ananya stretched her arms and let out a small yawn before getting up. She walked over to the bed, pulling the covers back, and laid down, her hair spreading over the pillow.

She turned her head slightly, looking at Advay, who was still sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone.

With a small smile, she tapped the empty space beside her on the bed. "Come here. Hug me and sleep."

Advay glanced up, smirking. "So demanding."

She rolled her eyes. "Shut up and get in."

Chuckling, he set his phone aside and walked over, slipping under the covers next to her. As soon as he did, Ananya wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his chest.

He let out a content sigh, his hand instinctively running through her hair. "Comfortable?" he murmured.

She nodded, her eyes already closing. "Hmm. Now go to sleep."

He smirked, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. "Goodnight, Ananya."

Within minutes, their breathing evened out, the warmth between them lulling them into a deep, peaceful sleep.

The next morning, December 11, 2020, Advay woke up early, carefully moving away so he wouldn't wake Ananya. After a quick workout and breakfast, he headed to the training ground, where the Indian team had already started warming up.

The atmosphere at the Adelaide Oval nets was focused but lively. Players stretched, jogged, and engaged in light drills before getting into their specific routines.

"Boys, red-ball cricket now. No more fancy shots. Leave, defend, and be patient," Rahul Dravid, the batting coach, reminded them as the top-order batters lined up for their net sessions.

Advay padded up and walked into the net. Bumrah had the new ball, and the first delivery was a quick, skiddy length ball that zipped past his bat.

"Pace is different here, Rai," Bumrah smirked.

Advay grinned. "Good. I like a challenge."

The next ball was full and swinging in. Advay leaned forward, met it with the middle of his bat, and drove it crisply through cover. The sound echoed through the nets.

"Shot!" Rohit called out from behind. "Bhai, leave some form for match day."

After thirty minutes of batting, rotating between Bumrah, Shami, and Ashwin, Advay moved to slip-catching drills.

Virat, standing next to him, grinned as he caught a sharp edge off a deflection drill. "This series is going to be different. Australia won't give up easy."

Advay nodded, watching the ball closely as he caught another low edge. "Neither will we."

In another part of the ground, the bowlers were working on their lengths. Chahal and Ashwin discussed field placements, while Bumrah and Shami focused on bowling reverse swing.

The session continued with match simulations, short target-based drills, and intense fielding practice, ensuring the team was locked in for the first Test.

By early afternoon, practice wrapped up, and the players headed back to the hotel to rest. The countdown to December 17 had begun.

Got it! Here's the scene with the correct players from the 2020 India vs Australia Test series.

On December 17, 2020, at the Adelaide Oval, the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was about to begin. The stadium was packed with over 50,000 fans, a vibrant mix of blue and gold. The Australian supporters were loud, but the Indian fans were just as passionate, waving flags and chanting, "India! India!"

The two captains, Virat Kohli and Tim Paine, walked out for the toss under the bright afternoon sun. The pink ball Test under lights was a challenge both teams were ready for.

The coin was tossed. Paine called heads… but it landed tails.

Virat Kohli shook hands with Paine, his expression calm yet confident. "We'll bat first."

The Indian section of the crowd erupted, knowing how crucial a strong first-innings total would be in the day-night Test format.

Harsha Bhogle (commentary): "India wins the toss and elects to bat first! A big decision from Virat Kohli, and why not? With the kind of form their top order has been in, they'll want to set the tone early."

The Australian team huddled together, discussing their bowling strategy. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon—the core of Australia's bowling attack—were ready to go.

In the Indian dressing room, as the team gave final fist bumps and words of encouragement, Advay Rai and Rohit Sharma stood up, putting on their helmets and gloves.

Rohit nudged Advay with a grin. "Another day at the office?"

Advay smirked, adjusting his gloves. "Let's give them a show."

The two walked through the tunnel and onto the field, stepping into the pink-ball Test under the floodlights. The crowd roared, with Indian fans cheering loudly, knowing they were about to witness something special.

Ricky Ponting (commentary): "This is a huge moment. Rohit Sharma, the experienced campaigner, and Advay Rai, the young superstar, walking out to face Australia's world-class bowling attack. This first session is going to be absolutely crucial."

At the top of his mark, Mitchell Starc stood ready with the pink ball in hand. He took a deep breath, adjusted his grip, and started his run-up.

The battle had begun.

Mitchell Starc sprinted in with the pink ball glistening under the floodlights, hurling it down at 150 km/h, but Advay Rai was already waiting. A slight shuffle forward, bat angled perfectly—CRACK! The ball raced past mid-off, not a fielder in sight. The crowd erupted as the ball crashed into the boundary boards.

Harsha Bhogle (commentary): "Oh, that's glorious! Picture-perfect straight drive! This man is in a zone of his own!"

Starc turned, frustrated, but he wasn't alone. Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon had all tried to break through, but nothing worked. Advay was playing arguably one of the greatest knocks in Test cricket history.

Pat Cummins came steaming in, a fiery bouncer aimed right at Advay's head. He swayed back at the last second, eyes locked on the ball, before effortlessly upper-cutting it over third man for six!

Ricky Ponting (commentary): "You don't do that in Test cricket! You just don't! What on earth are we watching?"

By the 25th over, India was at 138/1, with Rohit departing after a solid start. Virat Kohli joined Advay at the crease, and the two kept the scoreboard ticking with aggressive yet controlled batting.

Hazlewood pitched one full outside off, hoping for some movement under the lights, but Advay leaned forward, let his bat flow, and sent it screaming past cover for another four!

By the 35th over, he was on 94. The crowd held its breath.

Cummins came in, a sharp back-of-a-length delivery, nipping in. Advay waited, then rolled his wrists perfectly, pulling it past midwicket.

The ball raced away, crashing into the boundary boards.

Hundred for Advay Rai!

The Adelaide Oval stood on its feet, the Indian fans chanting his name, the Australian players looking shell-shocked.

Advay removed his helmet, raised his bat, and looked toward the stands.

Ananya was there, watching, and he blew her a kiss.

The camera zoomed in on her smiling, slightly flustered but clearly proud.

The innings continued.

Nathan Lyon, desperate for a breakthrough, tossed one up, but Advay danced down the track and sent it soaring over long-on!

The ball disappeared into the night sky.

By the 50th over, India had crossed 230.

Kohli fell to a sharp catch in the slips, but Advay kept going.

Harsha Bhogle: "We are witnessing something special here. Advay Rai is rewriting Test cricket tonight!"

As the day wore on, the Australians had no answers. Every bowler tried, every plan was adjusted, but nothing could stop Advay.

A legendary innings was unfolding.

The Adelaide Oval buzzed with anticipation, every run adding to the weight of history being made. The Australians, known for their relentless aggression, were out of ideas. Nothing seemed to work.

Cummins returned for another spell, his face set with determination, the pink ball shining under the floodlights. He charged in, slamming the ball into the pitch, forcing it to rise sharply at Advay's ribs.

Advay pivoted smoothly, rolling his wrists, guiding the ball behind square for four!

Ricky Ponting (commentary): "Even when he's in trouble, he finds a way to score! This is outrageous batting!"

By the 60th over, India had raced to 292/3.

Advay was on 148, approaching another milestone, but his focus was unwavering.

Nathan Lyon, frustrated beyond belief, tossed up a classic off-break, trying to lure him into a false shot.

Advay stepped out, got to the pitch of the ball, and lofted it straight over the bowler's head! The ball sailed into the stands, sending the Indian fans into a frenzy.

Hundred and fifty for Advay Rai!

The camera panned to Ananya in the stands, clapping proudly, while the Indian dressing room stood to applaud.

Harsha Bhogle: "A masterclass in batting! A hundred was incredible, but now this is turning into something legendary!"

Mitchell Starc, back for a new spell, came charging in.

First ball—A thunderous yorker at 151 km/h. Advay dug it out, sending it racing past the bowler for four!

Next ball—A bouncer, rising chest-high. Advay leaned back and uppercut it over third man!

The crowd exploded!

Ricky Ponting: "This is not normal! He's treating this Australian attack like a club-level bowling unit!"

By the 75th over, India had reached 350/4.

The Australian players looked visibly exhausted, but Advay was still standing tall, unfazed, his bat almost an extension of his body.

Cummins returned, bowling an inch-perfect slower bouncer, but Advay read it early.

A perfect pull shot—hammered in front of square—FOUR!

He was now on 196.

The entire stadium held its breath.

Hazlewood ran in, the pink ball swinging slightly under the lights. Full, straight, on off-stump.

Advay drove it elegantly through the covers… the ball racing away to the boundary!

Double century for Advay Rai!

He stood at the crease, exhaling deeply, before raising his bat high. He removed his helmet, shrugged at the camera—ice-cold as ever.

The Adelaide crowd stood up in appreciation, Ananya watching with admiration, while the Indian dressing room erupted in applause.

Harsha Bhogle: "Two hundred in a pink-ball Test match… This isn't just a great innings—it's one for the ages!"

The Australians looked stunned, completely outplayed.

And Advay Rai? He wasn't done yet.

The Adelaide Oval was in absolute awe. Advay Rai stood tall at 202, his bat raised high, the Indian fans chanting his name in unison.* The Australian players looked mentally drained, their body language showing frustration.

Tim Paine walked up to Pat Cummins, whispering something in his ear. Cummins nodded grimly, adjusting his field, but the damage had already been done.

Mitchell Starc steamed in, his face tense with focus. He hurled another searing yorker at 152 km/h, angling in at the base of off-stump.

Advay brought his bat down just in time, squeezing it past mid-on for two more runs. He wasn't giving them a chance.

Harsha Bhogle (commentary): "The way he's playing right now, I don't think even a brick wall could stop him!"

Nathan Lyon returned, desperate for a breakthrough. He looped in an off-break, landing it on middle and leg, hoping for some turn.

Advay leaned forward, sweeping powerfully, the ball rocketing past square leg for four!

Ricky Ponting (commentary): "You cannot bowl there to Advay Rai! He is punishing every loose ball!"

By the 85th over, India had reached 398/4.

Advay was now on 238, his concentration unshaken.*

Josh Hazlewood ran in, back-of-a-length delivery, angling across. Advay waited on it, opening the face of the bat late, gliding it past the slip cordon for four.

The crowd exploded again.

Ananya, sitting in the stands, clapped proudly, while the Indian dressing room stood, appreciating every bit of his dominance.

Next ball—a sharp bouncer. Advay ducked, watching it fly over his head.

Hazlewood smiled, shaking his head. He knew there was no easy way through.

By the 90th over, India was at 419/4.

Tim Paine walked up to Mitchell Starc. "One last effort, mate. Break him now, or we're in trouble."

Starc ran in with everything he had left, launching a ruthless in-swinging yorker at 153 km/h!

Advay picked it early, flicked it with pure timing—AND IT RACED AWAY PAST MIDWICKET!

250 FOR ADVAY RAI!

The Adelaide Oval stood as one, the Indian fans chanting, the Australian supporters watching in stunned admiration.

Advay removed his helmet, raising his bat high, soaking in the moment.

Harsha Bhogle: "A knock for the ages! Advay Rai—250 in a pink-ball Test match! This isn't just greatness, this is a statement!"

The camera zoomed in on Ananya, who smiled, her eyes filled with pride as Advay, for the second time in the match, blew her a kiss.

The Australian players looked drained, their shoulders slumped.

With the final session of Day 1 winding down, the Adelaide Oval lights shone brightly, casting long shadows as Advay Rai stood tall at 302, unbeaten, unshaken.* The Australian bowlers looked completely drained, their shoulders slumped as they trudged back to their marks, desperately hoping for stumps to be called.

Mitchell Starc steamed in one last time, angling a 154 km/h yorker at middle stump.

Advay watched it closely, brought his bat down at the last moment, and flicked it effortlessly past square leg for another boundary!

The crowd erupted as the ball crashed into the ropes. The Indian dressing room was on its feet, clapping, cheering.

Harsha Bhogle (commentary): "This is pure dominance! 306 to his name, and he's still not done!"*

Tim Paine walked up to Starc, shaking his head. "Mate, let's just get through these overs."

Josh Hazlewood bowled the final over of the day, keeping it tight outside off-stump. Advay, for the first time in hours, didn't look for a boundary. Instead, he blocked the last few balls, stepping back, knowing the job was far from done.

As soon as the umpires removed the bails and signaled stumps, the Indian dressing room stood in applause.

Virat Kohli, standing near the boundary rope, smirked as he clapped.

"Unbelievable, yaar," Rohit Sharma muttered, shaking his head. "This kid is something else."

The Australian players walked off slowly, exhausted, while Advay removed his helmet, tucked his bat under his arm, and made his way back to the pavilion.

The crowd gave him a standing ovation.

As he reached the boundary line, the camera panned to Ananya in the stands. She smiled proudly, her hands clapping softly, while Advay looked up at her for a brief moment before stepping inside.

Harsha Bhogle (commentary): "Day 1 of this historic Test match comes to an end, and what a day it has been! Advay Rai—306 off just sheer brilliance—has given India an unbelievable start!"*

Ricky Ponting: "We've seen great innings at the Adelaide Oval, but this? This is something different. A triple century on Day 1? This is the kind of knock that makes legends."

As Advay entered the dressing room, his teammates gathered around, clapping him on the back, offering handshakes, grins, and the occasional joke.

Rohit grinned. "Bhai, tune aaj Australia ka Test cricket se bharosa hi udaa diya!" (Bro, you've destroyed Australia's faith in Test cricket today!)

Virat laughed, shaking his head. "Advay, how do you make it look this easy?"

Advay simply smirked, sitting down and removing his gloves. "What did they expect?"

The room burst into laughter, as the players settled in for the debrief, knowing they had witnessed something truly historic.