The third Test match between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane concluded in a draw due to persistent rain on the fifth day, leaving the series evenly poised at 1-1.
On the final day, Australia declared their second innings at 89/7, setting India a target of 275 runs for victory. However, adverse weather conditions led to an early tea break, and play was subsequently abandoned without any further action.
This outcome has significant implications for both teams. Australia’s hopes of securing a win at the Gabba were dashed, extending their winless streak at this venue to two years.
For India, the draw maintains their competitive standing in the series, keeping the momentum balanced as they prepare for the upcoming matches.
In a notable development, India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket following the conclusion of this Test. Ashwin, who has been instrumental in India’s bowling attack, leaves behind a legacy of 537 wickets in 106 Test matches.
Looking ahead, the series now moves to Melbourne and Sydney, where both teams will aim to gain the upper hand. The evenly poised series promises an exciting continuation, with each match carrying significant weight in the battle for supremacy.
The abandonment of play on the final day in Brisbane was a huge disappointment for both teams, particularly after a competitive battle over the first four days. Australia’s lower-order resistance, led by Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah, had given the team a fighting chance to set a challenging target.
However, the heavy rain ensured no further action could take place. This has been a recurring issue in the series, with weather disruptions impacting both teams’ attempts to press for a result, leaving many wondering whether conditions might influence the remainder of the series.