The Gabba Test between Australia and India unfolded as a cricketing spectacle packed with twists, interruptions, and bizarre moments. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the match, leading to its dramatic, rain-soaked conclusion.
Day 1 Summary: Rain Halted Play as India Bowl First at Gabba
The match began with India opting to bowl first. This was the first time since 2014 that India had opted to bowl first in an away Test Match.
The first day of the third Border-Gavaskar Test in Brisbane was heavily disrupted by rain, with only 13.2 overs of play possible. Overcast skies and a green pitch prompted India to bowl first after winning their third consecutive toss. Their decision was influenced by recent trends at the Gabba, where teams bowling first had won six of the last seven Tests. The rain-marred opening day ended with no wickets falling and Australia at 19/0, leaving much to be desired for both teams heading into day two.
Day 2 Summary: Travis Head and Steve Smith Dominated the day
Day 2 of the third Border-Gavaskar Test at the Gabba was dominated by Australia, thanks to a record-breaking partnership between Travis Head and Steve Smith. Despite a strong start by India, the hosts ended the day firmly in command with a total exceeding 400 runs.
India’s Early Success
The day began positively for India as Jasprit Bumrah struck early, removing both openers, Usman Khawaja (21) and Nathan McSweeney (9). Nitish Kumar Reddy followed up with the crucial wicket of Marnus Labuschagne (17), leaving Australia precariously placed at 75/3.
Head and Smith Took Charge
India’s hopes of a quick collapse were dashed by Travis Head and Steve Smith. The duo unleashed a masterclass in batting, adding a mammoth 241-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Head brought up his ninth Test century and his second consecutive ton against India, while Smith ended his century drought with a composed 101.
Day 3 Summary: Bumrah’s Heroics in Vain as India Stumbled to 51/4 on Day 3 at the Gabba
India found themselves in trouble at 51/4 at stumps, trailing Australia’s first-innings total of 445. Earlier in the day, Jasprit Bumrah showcased his brilliance with a six-wicket haul, but it was not enough to prevent Australia from posting a commanding score.
The hosts’ innings was powered by centuries from Travis Head (163) and Steve Smith (121), who combined for a game-changing 241-run partnership. While Bumrah stood out with yet another five-wicket haul, India’s bowling attack, including an unlucky Akash Deep, struggled to break through. This marked the first time Australia surpassed 400 against India at home since 2015.
Day 4 Summary: Rahul and Jadeja Lead India’s Resistance
KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja led India’s resistance with fighting half-centuries, guiding the team to 252/9 at stumps on Day 4 at the Gabba. Chasing Australia’s imposing total of 445, India’s efforts ensured they crossed the 246-run mark, preventing the hosts from enforcing the follow-on and keeping the possibility of a draw alive.
Adding to Australia’s concerns, pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the match due to injury, leaving their bowling attack depleted. With the series level at 1-1 after India’s win in Perth and Australia’s triumph in Adelaide, all eyes are on the final day to see if India can hold on and push for a stalemate in the third Test.
Day 5 Summary: Third Test Ends in a Rain-Marred Draw at the Gabba
The third Test between India and Australia concluded in a draw, with weather playing a decisive role on Day 5. India will walk away the slightly happier side, having fought back from a precarious position earlier in the Test to avoid defeat.
Rain disrupted play throughout the match and had the final say, forcing the players off after just 2.1 overs into India’s second innings, with the score at 8/0. Earlier, Australia added a touch of drama by declaring at 89/7 in their second innings, setting India a target of 275 runs. However, bad light and heavy rain in the second session brought an early halt to proceedings, leaving no chance for a result.
The series remains poised at 1-1, with two Tests to go and all to play for.
Key Takeaways from a Rain-Soaked Gabba Test
The drawn match left both teams with questions to answer and a few positives to reflect upon:
- Australia’s Gains:
- Steve Smith’s resurgence with the bat was a welcome sight.
- Travis Head continued his sublime form, though concerns linger over his fitness after he missed fielding duties in the fourth innings.
- Pat Cummins delivered an impressive bowling performance, bolstering Australia’s attack.
- India’s Challenges:
- Apart from KL Rahul, India’s batting lineup appeared vulnerable, struggling against the pace and accuracy of Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
- While the team has navigated challenging venues like the Gabba and Adelaide, it must rediscover its batting rhythm before the Melbourne Test.
Hazlewood’s Injury and Australia’s Selection Dilemmas
The injury to Josh Hazlewood adds another layer of complexity to Australia’s campaign. While Scott Boland remains a reliable replacement, his consistency might not entirely cover the absence of Hazlewood’s experience in crucial moments.
Additionally, the spotlight is on Usman Khawaja and Mitch Marsh, who need to deliver impactful performances in Melbourne. The growing hype around 19-year-old batting prodigy Sam Konstas further fuels selection debates. Konstas, a hard-hitting sensation in domestic cricket, might soon force his way into the Test side if Australia’s batting continues to falter.
India Holds the Edge Despite Draw
India’s ability to withstand pressure at challenging venues has kept the Border-Gavaskar Trophy within reach. With the series level and more favorable conditions awaiting in Melbourne and Sydney, the visitors need just one win in the remaining two Tests to retain the trophy.
A Perfect Setup for Boxing Day
The Gabba’s theatrics have set the stage for an electrifying Boxing Day Test. Both teams are grappling with inconsistencies yet possess match-winning players in form. The series remains finely balanced, with neither side establishing clear dominance.
This balance of strengths and weaknesses promises an engaging contest, ensuring cricket fans worldwide remain glued to what could be a memorable conclusion to the series.
