News

AUSvIND, 3rd Test: Epic Bumrah-Akash stand, Ashwin’s retirement and a lot of rain!

By Mumbai Indians

The third Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 didn’t really Gabba-ed the way Gabba 2021 Gabba-ed…

It seemed as if the rain gods were having a gala time annoying the two teams and the fans here in India, who enthusiastically got up early in the morning only to get frustrated by constant rain breaks.

Nonetheless, it did work in favour of the visitors, who were on the back foot almost throughout the contest.

Here’s how the fixture unfolded minus the rain interruptions. ⬇️

Head, Smith shine for Australia

After rain played spoilsport on the opening day, the Indian cricket team came out with positive intent on Day 2 as BOOM struck twice within the first half-an-hour to dismiss Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney. Rising star Nitish Reddy, too, chipped in with a wicket to make it 75/3 for Australia.

However, what followed next was an absolute delight for the home fans.

Team India’s nemesis Travis Head (152) and Steve Smith (101) kept the boat afloat for their side & stitched a magnificent 241-run stand, much to the frustration of the Indian dugout.

JASSI jaisa koi nahi…

Once the new ball was due at the cusp of the 81st over, the Rohit Sharma-led side immediately opted for it with the old cherry not helping much.

… And guess what, The National treasure Jasprit Bumrah straight away got the better of Steve Smith in his second over with the new ball to break the partnership.

Soon thereafter, the pacer bagged two more scalps in the names of Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head to register yet another five-wicket haul to set the record for most five-fors by an Indian bowler in SENA nations. Simply legendary, isn’t it!?

The first session on Day 3 saw the Aussie innings conclude at 445, adding 40 runs to their overnight score of 405/7.

Fightback = Follow-on avoided

Team India’s batting unit, once again, fell prey to some terrific bowling by the hosts as they found themselves reeling at 51/4 at the end of Day 3, with KL Rahul holding the fort at one end.

Come day 4, the right-handed batter scored an important half-century, scoring 80 runs with the help of eight fours. Sir The Jadeja too chipped in with a handy 77, but the danger wasn’t averted yet.

At 213/9, the Rohit Sharma-led side still needed 33 runs to avoid follow-on.

Akash Deep-Jasprit Bumrah took the responsibility and played with great maturity to finish the day at 252/9, which came as a relief for the Indian dugout as they steered clear of batting twice in a row.

Well, the day wouldn’t have been complete without that entertaining Akash Deep maximum off Pat Cummins on the penultimate ball, not before the boundary that eased the nerves of Indian fans. WATCH:

Gabba Test - Day 5 - Something always in store for us!

Aussies bundled India out for 260 within the first four overs on the final day to pocket a 185-run lead.

The game plan for the Pat Cummins-led side was clear – With a huge lead already under their belt and not much time left; go all out with scoring without really thinking about wickets falling.

The result? A declaration at 89/7 to set a 275-run target. While BOOM bagged three more wickets, Mohd. Siraj & Akash Deep claimed two scalps each. In the process, आपल्या Jasprit Bumrah set the record for most Test wickets by an Indian in Australia.

Alas, the weather conditions had other ideas and a cracking final day, slated for an enticing finish, was cut short due to incessant rain.

R. Ashwin calls time on his illustrious career!

Veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket in the post-match press conference.

Thank you, Ash Anna, for your impeccable contribution towards Indian cricket! 💙 The Paltan wishes you all the very best for your second innings & may you enjoy endless 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙖𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙨 with your loved ones… ☕

Both teams will now look to take a 2-1 lead in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, beginning December 26.

 

Brief scores: Australia 445/10 (Travis Head 152; Jasprit Bumrah 6/76) and 89/7d (Pat Cummins 22; Jasprit Bumrah 3/18) drew India 260/10 (KL Rahul 84; Pat Cummins 4/81) and 8/0 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 4*)