The third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane, was a gripping contest that unfortunately ended in a rain-affected draw. The result leaves the Border-Gavaskar Trophy evenly poised at 1-1, with both teams now heading to Melbourne for the fourth Test. Here’s a detailed look at the highlights, stats, and implications for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).
First Innings: Australia Dominates with the Bat
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia posted an impressive 445 in their first innings. The star of the innings was Travis Head, who smashed 152 runs off 160 balls, showcasing his aggressive stroke play. Steve Smith provided a steady anchor, scoring a patient 101 off 190 deliveries. Their 241-run partnership for the fourth wicket was the cornerstone of Australia’s innings. Notably, Smith’s century marked his 32nd in Test cricket, solidifying his position among the modern greats.
India’s bowling attack struggled to contain the Aussie duo, with only Bumrah (6/76) standing out. The Gabba pitch, traditionally known for its bounce and pace, offered little assistance to India’s pacers early on.
India’s Response: A Battle to Stay Afloat
India’s reply was far from ideal, as they were bundled out for 260. While K.L Rahul top-scored with a gritty 84 runs, and Jadeja put on another much-needed 77 runs, the rest of the batting lineup failed to provide significant contributions. Debutant Akash Deep and tailender Jasprit Bumrah added a crucial unbeaten 39-run partnership for the 10th wicket, ensuring India avoided the follow-on.
Australia’s bowling unit was led by Pat Cummins, who claimed 4/81. Mitchell Starc and spinner Nathan Lyon also chipped in with vital breakthroughs.
Australia’s Second Innings: A Declaration and a Target
Australia’s second innings was a quick affair. Declaring at 89 for 7, they set India a challenging target of 275 runs in the final innings. Rain and bad light, however, played spoilsport, washing out significant portions of play on Day 5.
Final Day: Rain Forces a Draw
India managed to reach 8 for no loss before persistent rain and poor lighting conditions led to an early tea and an eventual draw. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (4*) and KL Rahul (4*) remained unbeaten, leaving fans wondering what might have been had the weather held up.
Key Stats and Records
- Steve Smith’s 32nd Test Century: Smith is now level with Steve Waugh in terms of Test hundreds for Australia.
- Travis Head’s 150+: This was Head’s second 150+ score in Test cricket, further cementing his reputation as an aggressive middle-order batter.
- India’s Last Pair Rescues: The unbeaten 39-run stand between Bumrah and Akash Deep was India’s highest 10th-wicket partnership in Australia since 2008.
- Josh Hazlewood’s Injury: Australia’s fast bowler has been ruled out for the remainder of the series due to a calf injury.
WTC Implications
This draw has significant implications for the ICC World Test Championship standings. Both India and Australia are among the top contenders for a spot in the WTC Final. With the series tied, the remaining two matches will be crucial.
- Australia’s Position: Despite the draw, Australia remains at the second spot of the WTC standings. A win in the next Test would solidify their position and virtually guarantee a spot in the final.
- India’s Challenge: For India, a win in either of the next two Tests is essential to stay in contention. Rain interruptions in this match mean India will need to bring their A-game to Melbourne to make up for lost points.
WTC Standings
| Position | Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Draws | Points | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 76 | 63.33% |
| 2 | Australia | 15 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 106 | 58.89% |
| 3 | India | 17 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 114 | 55.88% |
Conclusion
The third Test was a thrilling contest marred by rain but filled with individual brilliance and team efforts. With the series locked at 1-1, the stakes couldn’t be higher as the teams prepare for the next battle in Melbourne. Fans can look forward to more high-octane cricket as India and Australia vie not just for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also for a spot in the WTC Final.
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