The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia concluded in a dramatic draw at Brisbane’s Gabba, with inclement weather playing a decisive role in denying a result. The series remains evenly poised at 1-1, setting the stage for an electrifying final match.

Rain interrupted play multiple times throughout the Test, eventually limiting Day 5 to a mere 24 deliveries. With unfavorable weather forecasted even before the match began, both teams struggled to gain an upper hand, and the persistent interruptions ultimately forced the game to end without a decisive winner.

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Australia captain Pat Cummins made a bold move by declaring their second innings at 89/7, setting India a target of 275 runs to chase in a truncated final session. Despite the challenging conditions, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul displayed composure, countering the Australian pace attack led by Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Their perfectly timed strokes kept the scoreboard ticking, but the limited playtime and subsequent rain thwarted any chance of a result.

Before the declaration, Australia adopted an aggressive strategy, with Usman Khawaja and others taking risks to accelerate the scoring. However, India’s disciplined bowling, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, quickly dismantled Australia’s lineup. The duo’s exceptional spells reduced Australia to 28/4 in the first 10 overs. Contributions from Travis Head (17), Alex Carey (20*), and Cummins (22) ensured a modest total of 89 runs before the declaration.

Earlier in the Test, India managed to save the game thanks to a spirited fightback led by Bumrah and Akash Deep. Facing a massive first-innings total of 445 posted by Australia—highlighted by Travis Head’s blistering 152 and Steven Smith’s elegant 101—India’s top order struggled. Starc and Cummins dismantled the Indian lineup, with Josh Hazlewood delivering a crucial blow by dismissing Virat Kohli before sustaining an injury.

KL Rahul (84) and Ravindra Jadeja (77) provided much-needed resistance, forging a crucial partnership that inched India closer to avoiding the follow-on. However, it was Bumrah and Akash’s remarkable efforts that eventually pushed India past the follow-on mark, igniting a wave of relief and jubilation among the Indian camp.

Day 5 began with hopes of a thrilling finish, but the weather had other plans. Rain kept players off the field for extended periods, allowing just 24 balls to be bowled in the final session. Akash and Bumrah continued to frustrate the Australian bowlers with their resilience before Akash was dismissed for 31 off 44 balls by a sharp stumping from Alex Carey off Travis Head’s delivery.

The Australian bowling unit, led by Nathan Lyon and Head, tried to capitalize on the tailenders but struggled to find breakthroughs as India extended their resistance.

Despite both teams showing flashes of brilliance, the drawn match leaves the Border-Gavaskar Trophy delicately balanced. For Australia, Head’s commanding century and Cummins’ strategic decisions stood out, while for India, the grit of Akash Deep, Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Jadeja showcased their resilience under pressure.

With the series tied 1-1, the final Test promises to be a thrilling decider, as both teams look to claim the coveted trophy.

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