Rain played a decisive role in the third Border-Gavaskar Test at the Gabba, as the match ended in a draw after just 22 overs of play on the final day. Australia, having secured a 185-run lead after dismissing India in their first innings, pushed for victory with a quick-fire 89 for 7 in their third innings. In a bold move, they declared early, leaving India with a target of 275 runs in 54 overs. However, bad light halted play after just 2.1 overs, and rain soon followed, ending the match prematurely.
Australia’s brief innings on day five showcased the possibilities had the weather cooperated. The pitch offered seam movement and uneven bounce, and as a result, Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj quickly dismissed five Australian batsmen in 11 overs. Despite this, Australia maintained an aggressive batting approach, with Mitchell Marsh promoted to No. 4 and Travis Head batting ahead of Steven Smith. This strategy resulted in fast runs, and notably, Head, Alex Carey, and Pat Cummins combined to score 59 off 49 balls.
Had the weather allowed more play, Australia might have hoped to bowl India out, given the challenging pitch conditions. On the other hand, India could have made a bid for victory if they survived the early overs unscathed. With the series now tied 1-1 and two Tests remaining, the draw seemed a fair result.
Australia’s declaration at 89 for 7 mirrored the rare events of the 1950 Test at the Gabba, when both teams declared in a rain-affected match. Bumrah, who had taken eight wickets in the match, missed out on his first ten-wicket haul after dismissing Cummins with a clever slower ball.
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