The drama-filled third Test of the India tour of Australia 2024-25 at the Gabba in Brisbane concluded in a rain-affected draw. Persistent interruptions across all five days thwarted both teams’ efforts to secure a decisive win, leaving the five-match Test series level at 1-1 with two matches to go.
Australia second innings: A collapse under Indian pacers
The final day began with India resuming their first innings at 252/9. The visitors managed to add just eight more runs before being bowled out for 260 in the 79th over. This left Australia with a substantial first-innings lead of 185 runs. Despite the rain’s looming presence, the stage was set for a thrilling conclusion.
Australia began their second innings aggressively, but the Indian pacers quickly seized control. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep took two wickets each, while Jasprit Bumrah showcased his class, taking three crucial wickets. Bumrah’s performance brought his tally to nine wickets across both innings, solidifying his status as the leader of India’s bowling attack. Australia declared their innings at 89/7 after 18 overs, setting India a challenging target of 275 runs with limited time left in the match.
AUS vs IND 2024, 3rd Test: Key Highlights
- Australia’s first innings dominance: The Test began with Australia’s batters setting a commanding tone. Travis Head and Steve Smith stole the show with magnificent centuries, scoring 152 and 101, respectively. Head’s attacking knock, featuring 18 boundaries, laid a solid foundation, while Smith’s composed innings added stability. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey contributed a gritty half-century to push Australia to a formidable first-innings total of 445. India’s standout performer was Bumrah, who showcased his class by claiming six wickets, keeping the visitors in the contest.
- India’s resilient fightback: India’s response with the bat was spirited but fell short of matching Australia’s total. KL Rahul led the fight with a gritty 84, while Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with a well-compiled half-century. Despite their efforts, the Indian innings ended at 260, avoiding the follow-on but leaving the team trailing by 185 runs. Australian captain Pat Cummins was instrumental with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets and disrupting India’s momentum.
- Indian pacers dominate Australia’s second innings: With a significant lead, Australia’s second innings began cautiously but soon fell prey to India’s fiery pace attack. Indian fast bowlers, led by Bumrah, dismantled the Australian batting lineup. Siraj and Akash supported with a couple of wickets. At the end of 18 overs, Australia declared their innings at 89/7, setting India a target of 275 runs.
- Rain has the final say: India’s chase was off to a brisk start, reaching 8/0 in 2.1 overs, but the persistent rain and bad light halted play. Despite brief attempts to resume, the umpires eventually called off the match, resulting in a draw. The weather disruptions throughout the game played a pivotal role, preventing either side from gaining an advantage.
- Player of the Match: Head was named Player of the Match for his stellar first-innings knock of 152 off 160 balls. Head’s consistency has made him the leading run-scorer of the series, amassing 409 runs in three matches.
Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin announces retirement from international cricket
Here is how Twitter reacted:
The reaction when India saved follow-on will only be understood by a generation which grew up on following Test #cricket, the new generation brought up on a diet of T20s will never understand the joy of avoiding follow-on or earning a hard-fought draw #cricket #AUSvINDIA #AUSvIND
— Chandresh Narayanan (@chand2579) December 17, 2024
India’s bowlers would be thankful to Aussie thinktank for improving their career bowling average and strike rate #INDvAUS #GabbaTest #Gabba #INDvsAUS #indvsausTestseries #AUSvsINDIA #Jaspritbumrah𓃵 #JaspritBumrah #Siraj #akashdeep
— GP (@GP_freespeech) December 18, 2024
So it looks this ends the match in https://t.co/ZlCNHercLh not looking good on the apps for next 2 hours. #INDvsAUS #INDvAUS #AUSvIND #AUSvsINDIA
— Mandar Rane (@mandarsrane) December 18, 2024
Rain is saving Australia from defeat. India was ready to dominate and chase down the target. Hehehee #AUSvsINDIA pic.twitter.com/ayOnygOq3t
— Kuch Bhi!!!! (@KirkutExpert99) December 18, 2024
ICT fans should apologize to Greatest leader Rohit Sharma for doubting him for his captaincy.#INDVAUS #GabbaTest pic.twitter.com/X8WQTaHx8K
— Rohit Sharma (@ROHITSH8795922) December 18, 2024
The 3rd Test has been drawn 🏏#Cricket #AUSvIND #GabbaTest #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/ueq3Lv20mV
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 18, 2024
Travis Head wins Player of the match award 🥇#Cricket #AUSvIND #travishead #GabbaTest pic.twitter.com/A3jYbBrOX8
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 18, 2024
#GabbaTest
Top performers for Ozs:
Head, Starc, Smith, Cummins
Top performers for ICT:
Bumrah, Jadeja, KL Rahul, Indra Dev..#BorderGavaskarTrophy#INDvAUS— Nishad (@coolverine09) December 18, 2024
Could be the Biggest ‘Series-Winner’ in Test Cricket for India!! I personally feel Ashwin was not fully convinced with his retirement. #BorderGavaskarTrophy #Ashwin
— Atharva Karnik (@thoughtsofatk) December 18, 2024
Cricket: The 3rd Test of the #BorderGavaskarTrophy at the Gabba, in Brisbane, ends in a draw. #AUSvIND
🏏The five-match series is currently tied at 1-1. The 4th test match of the series will start on the 26th of December in Melbourne.#AUSvINDOnStar #Ashwin #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/2b5hIWNuq5
— Sujeet Kumar (@SUJITKU34342854) December 18, 2024
Also READ: 3 ways how Virat Kohli can regain his prime form in Test cricket
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