Against a fearsome attack of Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Duanne Olivier and Keshav Maharaj, Perera produced an innings for the ages. Fernando held firm, while Perera counterattacked brilliantly to finish unbeaten on 153. It was the 13th one-wicket win in Test history and only the third successful 300-plus chase at Durban.

Although his 60 Tests came against only four nations — England, Australia, India and New Zealand — he was devastating everywhere, especially overseas, where 11 of his 13 five-wicket hauls were taken. His Oval masterclass in 1976 (8 for 92 and 6 for 57) remains iconic, as does the Barbados over in 1980-81 when he shattered Geoff Boycott’s stumps after five probing deliveries. After retirement, Holding’s rich, measured voice made him one of cricket’s most respected commentators.

Don Bradman’s relative quiet — 76 and 24, both times dismissed by Harold Larwood — proved equally significant. Celebrations, however, were tempered by the tragic news that young Australian batter Archie Jackson had died of tuberculosis at just 23.

Rowe turned an overnight 94 into 214 in the first innings and followed it with an unbeaten 100 in the second. Yet the match was drawn, largely thanks to Glenn Turner’s monumental 223 for New Zealand — at the time the highest score by a batter carrying his bat.

David Bedingham’s 110 was the only major resistance from South Africa in the second innings, as debutant fast bowler William O’Rourke claimed five wickets to add to his four in the first. Kane Williamson then calmly guided the chase of 267 with his third century in four innings.

Ashwin claimed eight wickets in the match and scored a brisk second-innings century from No. 8 — the third time in his career he had achieved the double of a five-for and a hundred in the same Test. Rishabh Pant contributed another assured half-century, while debutant Axar Patel marked his arrival with a five-wicket haul as India won by 317 runs.

With the series drawn 1-1, Australia retained the Ashes. The match also marked the final Test of wicketkeeper Wally Grout, who finished with 187 dismissals.

Competition for places curtailed his international career, but domestically he was a giant, leading Mumbai to multiple Ranji Trophy titles and becoming the competition’s highest run-scorer.

Australia responded in kind, with D’Arcy Short, David Warner and Aaron Finch launching a stunning counterattack. Andrew Tye and Ben Wheeler each conceded 64 runs — among the most expensive spells in T20I history.