When Australia declared at 89/7, setting India a target of 275 runs in a minimum of 54 overs, all three outcomes were possible. With Australia needing 10 wickets and India chasing a challenging target, the match was finely balanced and could have gone either way. Just that, a draw seemed the most likely result. Ultimately, bad light combined with poor weather brought the game to an early conclusion, ending in a draw.
Yesterday, India’s last-wicket partnership helped them avoid the follow-on, and from that point, it seemed likely the match would end in a draw, with forecasts of rain and bad light always looming at the Gabba. Both teams, however, made a determined effort to force a result in what turned out to be a frustrating Test, as rain disrupted play every day.
In hindsight, Australia might reflect on whether they should have declared earlier. However, having lost their last Test at the same venue to the West Indies, their approach was understandably cautious. Clearly, they were intent on not giving India any chance to secure a second consecutive Test win at the Gabba, but this cautious approach also cost them the opportunity to press for victory after being in a strong position following their first innings.
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The day started with Australia bundling out India for 260. The spirited partnership between Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah didn’t last long, as Australia needed just 24 balls to claim India’s last wicket and secure a 185-run lead. Australia then came out with a clear intent to score quickly, but their aggressive approach backfired on their misfiring top order. Nevertheless, they managed 89 runs in 18 overs at just under five runs per over, despite losing wickets regularly.
Even as the hosts maintained their attacking momentum and declared at 89/7, setting a target of 275 for India, ominous clouds began to gather around the stadium. Spectators kept a close watch on the weather as Australia came out to bowl. With the equation resembling an ODI chase, there was speculation that Rohit Sharma might open with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Contrary to expectations, India stuck with their usual combination of Jaiswal and KL Rahul.
Unfortunately, they could only bat for 2.1 overs before bad light forced the umpires to halt play, marking the end of the match. The series now stands level at 1-1, with two matches remaining.