Rain had the final say at the Gabba, as anticipated, but not before Australia and India created a series of captivating what-ifs during the 22 overs played on the fifth day of the third Border-Gavaskar Test.
Australia and India will head into the Boxing Day Test with the series level after the third Test in Brisbane concluded in a draw, as bad weather limited play on the fifth day to just 24.1 overs. The match was called off shortly after the Tea break, which was moved forward due to poor light and imminent rain. India had reached 8 for 0 in their chase of 275 runs in approximately 54 overs.
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Australia’s Aggressive Push Stalls as Rain Ends Gabba Test in a Draw
After dismissing India’s final wicket just four overs into the day’s play and securing a commanding 185-run first-innings lead, Australia launched a final push for victory. Their aggressive approach saw them lose wickets rapidly, declaring at 89 for 7 after 18 frantic third-innings overs. This set India a target of 275 runs in a theoretical 54 overs. However, only 2.1 overs were possible before bad light forced the players off the field, followed by rain signaling an early end to the match.
Australia’s short, action-packed innings on day five hinted at the potential outcomes had the weather held. The pitch offered noticeable seam movement and uneven bounce, allowing Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj to claim five wickets in just 11 overs. Australia’s urgency also played a role, as they promoted Mitchell Marsh to No. 4, sent Travis Head in ahead of Steven Smith, and continued attacking. Despite the fall of wickets, the scoring rate remained brisk, with Head, Alex Carey, and Pat Cummins contributing a quickfire 59 runs off 49 balls, showcasing the lively nature of the surface.
A Draw Sets the Stage for a Thrilling Series Finale
With the new ball offering significant assistance, Australia might have envisioned bowling India out. On the other hand, the potential for scoring runs and Australia missing one of their three frontline pacers could have inspired India to pursue victory if they negotiated the early overs safely. In the end, the draw felt like the ideal result to keep the series alive, with both teams heading into Boxing Day tied 1-1 with two Tests remaining.
Australia’s bold declaration echoed the 1950 Test at the Gabba, where England declared at 68 for 7 and Australia followed with a declaration at 32 for 7, both responding to the challenges of a rain-affected sticky pitch. While such instances are rare in the modern era of covered pitches, this day’s declaration at 89 for 7 offered a nostalgic nod to the unpredictability of Test cricket.
Bumrah Falls Agonizingly Short of a Historic Ten-Wicket Haul
One player who might have felt slightly disappointed at that moment was Jasprit Bumrah. Having just returned for a new spell, he removed Pat Cummins with a brilliantly executed slower ball, securing his ninth wicket of the match. Bumrah was tantalizingly close to claiming his maiden ten-wicket haul—one of the few milestones still missing from his illustrious career.
Australia vs India 3rd Test Summary
Australia:
- 1st Innings: 445 (Travis Head 152, Steve Smith 101, Carey 70; Jasprit Bumrah 6-76, Mohammed Siraj 4-98)
- 2nd Innings: 89/7 dec. (Pat Cummins 22; Jasprit Bumrah 3-18)
India:
- 1st Innings: 260 (KL Rahul 84, Ravindra Jadeja 77; Pat Cummins 4-81)
- 2nd Innings: 8/0.
Result: Draw
Looking Ahead 4th Test: Boxing Day Test at the MCG
That’s all from the Gabba! India, aided by the weather, managed to draw the third Test, leaving the series level as both teams gear up for the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test. The match had its share of thrilling cricket and an unexpected twist with Ashwin’s retirement, capping off a dramatic final day. While the game ended on a somber note, it doesn’t overshadow the incredible cricket we’ve witnessed so far in what promises to remain a gripping series.
India displayed remarkable resilience and character under pressure, setting the stage for an electrifying contest at the MCG. The fourth Test is scheduled from Thursday, December 26 to Monday, December 30, starting at 5 AM (IST) each day. With a sell-out crowd expected, few settings rival the energy and grandeur of a packed MCG. Boxing Day can’t come soon enough!
Read More: Ravichandran Ashwin Calls Time on Stellar International Cricket Career
FAQs
What was the result of the third Test at the Gabba?
The third Test ended in a draw due to bad weather, with both teams tied at 1-1 in the series.
When is the fourth Test between Australia and India?
The fourth Test will take place from Thursday, December 26 to Monday, December 30, starting at 5 AM (IST).
What did Australia do on the fifth day of the third Test?
Australia declared at 89 for 7 after a brief, aggressive innings, setting India a target of 275 in 54 overs.
What milestone was Jasprit Bumrah close to achieving?
Bumrah was just one wicket away from his first ten-wicket haul in a Test match, having claimed nine wickets in the third Test.
How is the atmosphere expected for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG?
The fourth Test is already a sell-out, promising a packed MCG with a lively atmosphere, one of the best settings for a cricket match.
