AUS vs IND, 3rd Test Day 5: Gritty India, rain deny Australia Gabba redemption

A gritty Indian team and rain prevented Australia from securing their redemption at the Gabba as the 3rd Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended in a draw.

Australia had set India a target of 275 runs to chase after scoring 89 for the loss of 7 wickets in the second innings after a rock and roll hour of day’s play following lunch. While the game ended in a stalemate, the Indian team seems to have the momentum heading into the Melbourne Test.

After saving themselves from a follow-on, India started the day with Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah at the crease and the duo continued to frustrate the hosts with their resolute and stubborn batting. Pat Cummins quickly turned to Travis Head to get a breakthrough for his side and the Aussie batter did just that. He would have Akash Deep stumped as India ended their innings at 260, and conceded a lead of 185 runs to the Aussies.

The hosts were raring to go as they wanted to set a big total and try for the win. However, for the first time in 5 days at the Gabba, the game was halted due to lightning around the stadium. This forced a lengthy stoppage in play as an early lunch was called for. Once the game restarted with some sunshine around the stadium, India would gain momentum as Jasprit Bumrah stepped up yet again. The Indian pacer Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne in quick succession to push the hosts on the backfoot and break Kapil Dev’s all-time record.

Akash Deep soon joined the party with the wicket of Nathan McSweeney as Australia were reduced to 16 for 3. Mitchell Marsh was promoted to No.4, but he failed to make any impact as Akash Deep claimed his second one. First innings heroes Travis Head and Steve Smith were at the crease, but the latter failed as he was caught down the leg-side once again by Rishabh Pant.

Head and Carrey would get some quick runs but Siraj returned to dismiss the centurion from the first innings as India were on top at the moment. Cummins would come in and blasted a couple of sixes and boundaries and scored 22 off just 10 balls before Bumrah returned to get rid of him.

Australia would ultimately decide to declare as time was slowly running out. The scenario for India was set in a way that they had to get the target within 54 overs. However, with the score at 8 for no loss, the umpires had to force the players to go in due to bad light, with tea being called early. Ultimartely the handshakes would happen as India was

India hold the edge heading to Melbourne?
So, even the ardent Indian fan would have given Rohit Sharma and his men a chance in this match after a disappointing Day 2. The top-order would also fail and the Indian team needed heroics from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja and a late resistance from Bumrah and Akash Deep to avoid the follow-on. However, their performance from Day 4 and the bowling on Wednesday showed that the momentum does seem to be with the Indian team.

The grit from the side did echo that incredible blockathon between Hanuma Vihari and R Ashwin in Sydney during the 2020-21 series as they sneaked out a draw from nowhere to remain in the series. And the rest as they, is history. India would go to Gabba and secure the series win.

For India, it was an escape in Brisbane this time. But like many may say, it isn’t just down to luck.