Rain Leads to Draw in Australia-India Third Test Finale

The third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba concluded in a draw on day five, with persistent bad weather in Brisbane preventing a decisive outcome and leaving the series tied at 1-1. Australia had posted scores of 445 and 89-7 declared, while India scored 252-9 and 8-0. Jasprit Bumrah recorded figures of 3-18 in Australia’s second innings. Following a first-innings lead of 185, Australia’s second innings saw a rapid fall of wickets as they aggressively pursued quick runs to force a result. They reached 33-5, with Jasprit Bumrah once again dismantling the top order. Captain Pat Cummins then contributed a quickfire 22 runs from 10 balls before declaring the innings at 89-7. This assertive declaration set India a target of 275 runs to win from a minimum of 54 overs. However, bad light interrupted play with India at 8-0 in the third over of their chase. Shortly thereafter, rain, which had significantly impacted much of the Test, began, leading the players to shake hands at 15:30 local time. The five-match series is scheduled to resume with the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne on 26 December (23:30 GMT, 25 December), where an attendance of nearly 90,000 spectators is anticipated for the initial day. The drawn outcome was largely anticipated, given that only 131.2 overs were bowled during the first three days. This likelihood increased further when India’s final wicket partnership of Bumrah and Akash Deep notably prevented the follow-on late on day four. India’s innings concluded when Deep was stumped by Travis Head for 31 runs, five overs into the final day. However, no additional play occurred before lunch due to rain and the risk of lightning. A brief period of sunshine offered a glimmer of hope for an exciting finish upon the players’ return. Australia’s second innings, though lasting only 18 overs, allowed both teams to depart Queensland with arguments for holding the advantage in a series that has met expectations. Australia had largely controlled the first four days after drawing level in Adelaide, yet they remained in a precarious position when Steve Smith became the fifth wicket to fall, with their lead standing at just 218. Earlier in the innings, Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja for eight runs via a bowl and had Marnus Labuschagne caught behind for one. Bumrah has now become India’s leading wicket-taker in Australia, accumulating 53 wickets in 10 Tests, with 21 of those taken in the current series. In contrast, Labuschagne has scored 18 runs across four innings, excluding his 64 in the second Test. Opener Nathan McSweeney’s challenging introduction to international cricket persisted as he edged a delivery from Deep for four runs. The seamer also accounted for Mitchell Marsh, who was elevated to number four to accelerate the scoring, catching him behind for two. Smith was dismissed caught down the leg side for the second occasion in the series. Nevertheless, the contributions from Cummins, Alex Carey’s unbeaten 20, and Travis Head’s 17 runs likely gave Australia an advantage on the lively pitch, despite the somewhat unconvincing nature of their batting. A greater concern for Australia was the sight of Head, who had scored 152 in the first innings following a 140 in Adelaide, appearing to struggle with a groin issue. He did not participate in fielding during the 13 balls bowled in India’s innings but subsequently downplayed any injury worries. India is aiming for a third consecutive series victory in Australia. India captain Rohit Sharma commented: “We will take that. To have interruptions like that wasn’t great but going to Melbourne 1-1 pretty much gives us that confidence we can go out there and pull things towards us.” He added, regarding their position on day four: “The situation we were in [on day four], we wanted someone to stand up and take the game through. Akash and Bumrah showed the fight and character. It was great to watch. All of these guys were really good with the ball.” Australia captain Pat Cummins stated: “I am really happy with how the guys played. We felt like we were right ahead of the game for all of it.” Former Australia batter and coach Darren Lehman, speaking on ABC, remarked: “I loved the way Australia went about it today to try and make something out of it.” He continued: “All in all, Australia are probably still confident going to Melbourne. It sets up Melbourne unbelievably well.” Lehman also praised Bumrah: “Bumrah has been unbelievable to get nine [wickets] for the game. I haven’t seen someone dominate a series since (Glenn) McGrath and (Shane) Warne. This is special to see first hand.”