NEW DELHI: The third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane, concluded in a dramatic draw after rain interrupted the fifth day’s play, leaving the match unfinished. The draw has significant implications for India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final, with both teams now having a lot to prove in the remaining matches of the series.
Australia, having declared their second innings at 7 for 85, set India a challenging target of 275 runs. The Indian team, chasing the target, faced the uphill task of tackling Australia’s pace attack, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Despite a valiant effort from India’s top order, they struggled to maintain momentum as Australia’s bowlers relentlessly applied pressure. The Indian middle order, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, fought hard, but wickets fell at regular intervals.
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With India at 221/7, tailenders Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah built a crucial partnership of 39 runs, holding off the Australian attack and avoiding the follow-on. This partnership proved invaluable, as India’s total reached 260 before Bumrah was dismissed. With no further play possible due to rain, the match ended in a draw, leaving Australia’s total of 445 runs untouched.
The result has affected India’s prospects in the WTC standings. With the series level at 1-1, the final two Tests are crucial for both teams to secure vital points in their pursuit of a spot in the WTC final. India had hoped for a victory to strengthen their position but will now need to win at least one of the remaining Tests to stay in contention.
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Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier spinner, made headlines not just for his performance but for announcing his retirement from international cricket following the draw. Ashwin, who had a stellar career with 537 wickets in 106 Tests, is regarded as one of the finest spinners in the history of the game. His retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket.
The series now moves to Melbourne, where the Boxing Day Test will be a decisive one. India will look to regroup and take advantage of any opportunities in the remaining matches, while Australia will aim to exploit their home conditions to gain the upper hand. With the WTC final in sight, the outcome of the next Test will be crucial for both teams as they push for a spot at the summit of world cricket.