Rain Plays Spoilsport in Thrilling Gabba Test

Rain had the final say at the Gabba, concluding the third Border-Gavaskar Test in a draw after just 22 overs were bowled on the fifth day. The match ended with tantalising possibilities left unexplored, leaving cricket fans to wonder about what might have been.

Australia began the day by dismissing India’s last wicket just four overs in, securing a significant 185-run first-innings lead. With aggressive intent, they launched a rapid third innings, aiming for a decisive victory. However, their attacking approach backfired, as India’s bowlers exploited the seam-friendly conditions. Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj struck repeatedly, reducing Australia to 89 for 7 in just 18 overs before a declaration. This set India a theoretical target of 275 runs in 54 overs. Unfortunately, only 2.1 overs were possible before bad light and heavy rain forced an early end to the game.

Australia’s short-lived innings on the final day showcased what could have been thrilling rain-free outcomes. The Gabba pitch offered significant seam movement and unpredictable bounce, challenging batters on both sides. Bumrah’s brilliant spell, coupled with Akash Deep and Siraj’s breakthroughs, tore through the Australian lineup. However, Australia’s aggressive batting strategy also contributed to the wickets, as they promoted Mitchell Marsh to No. 4 and sent Travis Head ahead of Steven Smith. Despite the flurry of dismissals, their batters managed a brisk 59 runs off 49 balls, hinting at the potential for a dramatic finish.

Both teams entertained dreams of a victory in these chaotic conditions. Australia’s hopes rested on dismantling India’s top order with the new ball, while India might have considered chasing the target had they survived the initial overs unscathed. But as the rain returned, a draw appeared to be the fairest result, setting up an exciting finish to the series, now tied at 1-1, with two Tests remaining.

Australia’s bold declaration echoed the historic 1950 Gabba Test, where England and Australia both declared at low scores to force a result on a rain-affected pitch. Though rare in modern cricket due to covered pitches, Australia’s decision to declare at 89 for 7 brought a nostalgic touch to the game.

For Jasprit Bumrah, the draw came with mixed feelings. He had just claimed his ninth wicket of the match, dismissing Pat Cummins with a clever slower ball, and was on the brink of achieving his first ten-wicket haul in Test cricket—an accolade that continues to elude him in an otherwise stellar career.

Brief Scores

Australia 445 (Head 152, Smith 101, Carey 70; Bumrah 6-76) & 89/7 dec (Bumrah 3-18) drew with India 260 (Rahul 84, Jadeja 77; Cummins 4-81, Starc 3-83) & 8/0.