There is a phrase that goes: 'Nature always bats last'. On the final day of the rain-marred third Test match between India and Australia, both teams saw the saying come true as despite their best efforts, the game ended up as a draw. (Day 5 Highlights | Full Coverage | More Cricket News)
India Vs Australia 3rd Test Ends In Draw As Weather Denies Potential Gabba Classic
Travis Head was adjudged the Player of the Match for his stunning 152 in the first innings
The fourth day had ended soon after India avoided follow-on thanks to a resolute last-wicket stand between Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah. The stand was broken quite early on the fifth day and India were bowled out for 260 in the first innings, 185 runs behind Australia.
Rain then washed out the entire first session. When play resumed, Australia were in a hurry to force a result. But the Indian bowlers would not give an inch.
Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne in his first spell before Akash Deep joined to get rid of Nathan McSweeney and Mitchell Marsh. Mohammed Siraj then picked up the wicket of Steve Smith and Australia looked in all sorts of trouble.
The hosts had lost half their side for 33 and it seemed things were moving in fast forward. Head too departed as the sixth wicket when the score was 60. Captain Pat Cummins smashed 10-ball 22 to take Australia to 89 for seven and he declared. Bumrah picked three while Akash and Siraj had to settle with a couple of wickets each. The declaration meant India had around 50 overs to chase down a 275-run target.
An electrifying climax looked on the cards before bad weather interrupted just 13 balls after Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul started the chase. Ultimately, the captains agreed on a draw as no further play was possible and a potential classic was junked.
Travis Head was adjudged the Player of the Match for his stunning 152 in the first innings.
The series thus will go into the boxing day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground locked at 1-1.
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