Rain Disrupts Brisbane Test as Australia and India Head to Melbourne Tied at 1-1
The third Test at the Gabba concluded in a draw due to persistent rain, with only 24.1 overs possible on the final day. As a result, both Australia and India head into the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne with the series level at 1-1. The decision to call off the match was made shortly after Tea, as poor light and looming rain forced the players off the field. At that point, India were 8 for 0 in their pursuit of 275 in 54 overs.
The Brisbane Test saw a mere 216.1 overs of play in total, which would typically have been completed by the midway point of the third day. However, the match was heavily impacted by weather, with only 13.2 overs possible on Day 1 and just 33.1 on Day 3. Despite the weather challenges, Australia had opportunities to take control, having posted 445 in their first innings and reducing India to 74 for 5 in response.
India, however, benefited from the weather and a depleted Australian attack, as Josh Hazlewood was sidelined due to a calf strain. Crucial half-centuries from KL Rahul (84) and Ravindra Jadeja (77), alongside a determined 47-run 10th-wicket partnership between Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah, allowed India to avoid the follow-on on Day 4.
Australia continued to push for a result despite the interruptions. Following a delayed post-lunch start, Australia’s batters took an aggressive approach. However, in an unpredictable session, India’s bowlers struck back, reducing the hosts to 33 for 5 after Jasprit Bumrah removed Usman Khawaja for the fourth time in the series. Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj capitalized on the aggressive Australian batting, picking up key wickets.
Travis Head and Alex Carey added a quick 27-run partnership off 22 balls before Pat Cummins provided a late cameo, smashing two sixes and two fours in a 10-ball 22. With their three-man attack, Australia declared at 89/7, aiming to force a result. However, India's openers saw off 2.1 overs before bad light ended the match.
Brief scores:
- Australia: 445 (Travis Head 152, Steve Smith 101; Jasprit Bumrah 6-76) & 89/7 dec. (Pat Cummins 22; Jasprit Bumrah 3-18)
- India: 260 (KL Rahul 84, Ravindra Jadeja 77; Pat Cummins 4-81) & 8/0.
With the series now tied, all eyes are on the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
