The third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba would have been an instant classic until rain chose the last hand and drew it out. The game was jam-packed with drama. Then came one enormous blow that left the cricketing world speechless, despite the sheer 22 available overs on the last day.
Australia got off to a good start. They began with tallying 445 in the first innings, excellent performances from Travis Head and Steve Smith. The skipper, Smith, pulled off his first 100 in 18 months. The stump served as a reminder of his world-class skills. That’s how Australia took control of the game.
India stumbled initially but bounced back with Ravindra Jadeja’s 77 and KL Rahul’s 84. Jasprit Bumrah came in front of the cameras and once again made a dramatic entrance. In the first innings he took wickets including key players such as Head and Alex Carey. By the second innings, Bumrah was back in action, scoring three more and taking down Australia’s top order. Well, this was definitely his Test even though he missed out on a well-earned 10-wicket haul because of Australia’s declaration.
India’s Gutsy Last-Wicket Stand Helps Avoid Follow-On at the Gabba in IND vs AUS Test
Day 5 of IND vs AUS had many “what-ifs” when the weather stopped play. Australia reached 89 for 7 in their fast-playing innings and left India with 275 to score in 54 overs. But it took just 2.1 overs to bowl before the sky cleared up and the two sides were still 1-1 after two Tests.
Post-match conversations became poignant when one of India’s greats, Ravichandran Ashwin, stepped down from international cricket.
Sitting alongside captain Rohit Sharma in the press conference, Ashwin said sadly, “This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer across all formats. I’ve had so much fun and made so many splendid memories with teammates over the years. I think it’s time to let it go. Ashwin, India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker (537), is unmatched — especially against Australia. A side that he hammered 115 times.
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Rohit Sharma also praised Ashwin for his work, saying “He’s been a match-winner for us multiple times. He has reasons for quitting, and as teammates we appreciate it”.Ashwin’s departure is a massive blow to India’s spin department.
Ravindra Jadeja struggled with the ball in Brisbane and neither he nor Washington Sundar have been able to cash in on the opportunity in this ultra-competitive series. It looks like the path for India towards Melbourne will be tough.
With two Tests remaining and the series still tied, the stakes for the Boxing Day Test is rising. Will Australia’s golden oldies such as Steve Smith and Travis Head remain in good shape? Will Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli inspire a second comeback for India?
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And what about the way India will deal with life without Ashwin? This Border-Gavaskar Trophy rollercoaster will come to a close in the Gabba draw.
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