Rain Interrupts India’s Chase of 275 Runs in Thrilling Gabba Test
Bad light forced an early tea break on the fifth day of the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba, as India reached 8 for no loss in just 2.1 overs in their chase of 275. With the players off the field, the stage is set for a dramatic finish to what has been a thrilling contest between the two sides.
Australia had earlier declared their second innings at 89/7 in just 18 overs, setting India a challenging target of 275 runs. The home team had gained a 185-run lead after India’s first innings total of 260. Despite some quick wickets in their second innings, Australia still managed to post a decent total, thanks to brief cameos from Travis Head, Alex Carey, and Pat Cummins.
KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, unbeaten on 4 each, were at the crease when the tea break was called due to bad light. The pair faced just 13 balls before the early interval. If weather conditions permit, the final session promises to be an exciting one, with India chasing a sizable total in the remaining time.
Australia’s Eventful Second Innings
Australia’s second innings saw a flurry of wickets, as they looked to accelerate the run rate, but India’s pacers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, struck at regular intervals. Bumrah, who has been in sensational form throughout the series, took three wickets, finishing with match figures of 9, the most by any Indian bowler in Australia in Test cricket, surpassing Kapil Dev’s record of 51.
Bumrah started the collapse by dismissing Usman Khawaja with an inside edge off a delivery that came back in. He followed it up by removing Marnus Labuschagne, who edged behind to Rishabh Pant. Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with two wickets apiece, as Australia’s batting line-up faltered under pressure.
Pant’s Glove Magic
India’s wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant, was in superb form behind the stumps, taking five catches in the innings, including a brilliant diving catch off Siraj to dismiss Steve Smith. This was the fourth time Pant has taken five or more catches in a Test innings, equaling the Indian record held by MS Dhoni.
Cummins’ Quickfire Cameo and Declaration
Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, played a cameo of 22 from just 10 balls, smashing a four and a six before being undone by a slower ball from Bumrah. After his dismissal, Cummins called back the batters to declare, setting India the target of 275.
The Chase Ahead
With the rain and thunderstorms threatening to disrupt play, India’s chase has been delayed, but the game remains finely poised. India, who had to contend with a challenging target after a strong bowling display, will look to their top order, including KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, to lead the charge. However, with the pitch providing assistance to the bowlers, the chase is expected to be anything but easy.
Brief Scores:
Australia: 445 and 89/7 dec (Pat Cummins 22, Alex Carey 20*; Jasprit Bumrah 3-18, Akash Deep 2-28)
India: 260 (KL Rahul 84, Ravindra Jadeja 77; Pat Cummins 4-81, Mitchell Starc 3-83) and 8/0 in 2.1 overs (chasing 275)
