Australia vs India 3rd-Test Results

Right then, three down and two more to go, and as neutrals, we couldn’t have asked for a better scoreline with the series tied 1-1 going into the Boxing Day Test. Yes, we would have loved a proper conclusion to this Test, but the weather left us without one. Let's hope the next two Tests make up for it. Next up is the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The fourth Test of this five-game affair in the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy kicks off on 26th December with the first ball to be bowled at 5 am IST (11.30 pm GMT, the previous day). As always, we’ll be here in advance for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

JUST IN - Ravichandran Ashwin has retired from international cricket with immediate effect. In a press conference alongside Rohit Sharma, Ashwin shares the news, expressing gratitude to the players, coaches, and everyone who has been part of his journey. Ashwin mentions that he will be staying involved with the sport in some form or another.

Pat Cummins, the Australian skipper says it would have been nice to have a result going in their favour. Adds that the players have stepped up well and he is pleased with the effort they put in. Talks about the rain interruptions and says it kind of helped them get going. Mentions that the last day is always a challenge and the new ball was hard to tackle. Appreciates the knocks from Steven Smith and Travis Head along with Alex Carey's inning which helped them get to around 450 runs. Praises the bowling effort and says they just about ticked every box in this game. Concludes that the excitement for the Boxing Day Test match is special and they look forward to it.

The captain of India, Rohit Sharma says that he is happy that this match has ended in a draw and will give them confidence going to Melbourne. Adds that the situation was tough and they wanted somebody to stand up after Lunch on Day 4 and take responsibility, which Jadeja did. Appreciates Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah for helping them avoid the follow-on last-wicket partnership. Feels that all pacers have bowled well in the series so far. Concludes that Akash Deep is new to the international level but he has the talent and he knows how to absorb the pressure.

Travis Head is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his stellar ton. He says it feels nice to have contributed and the way his inning set the game up initially. Adds that it was a challenging wicket and his partnership with Smith was crucial for the game. Mentions that he summed the conditions up quickly and is pleased with the tempo he is batting in. Talks about the communication while batting with Smith and appreciates the way Smith batted. Concludes by saying that the plans and challenges are different every time and he is happy to adjust to them and play freely.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

The draw was always the most likely outcome as the final day began. It took Australia just 24 balls to take the last Indian wicket, gaining a 185-run lead. Australia went all-out in their pursuit of quick runs, but their aggressive approach did no favours for their misfiring top order. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the hosts continued to play their shots and declared their innings at 89/7, setting a 275-run target for the tourists. However, just 13 balls into the Indian innings, bad light brought an abrupt end to the second session, and subsequent heavy rain, predictable after the cloud cover that had built up, meant play couldn’t resume, leaving us without a proper conclusion to the game.

Rohit Sharma fell early, but Ravindra Jadeja anchored the innings, forming crucial partnerships with KL Rahul and Nitish Kumar Reddy to reduce the deficit. Jadeja, the last recognized batter, was dismissed with India still 33 runs short of avoiding the follow-on and only a wicket in hand. However, Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep stepped up, helping India avoid the follow-on before bad light ended the day. On the bowling front, Australia faced a setback as Josh Hazlewood bowled just one over before leaving the field with a calf strain and was later ruled out of the match.

Alex Carey added an impactful contribution, helping Australia extend their total to 445 before being bowled out. In reply, India got off to a disastrous start on the morning of Day 3, with a lack of application from their batters and disciplined bowling from Australia's pace trio leaving them reeling at 44-4. The third day was marred by frequent interruptions, with rain forcing the players on and off the field multiple times, which did no good to help either side's momentum. India began Day 4 fighting to avoid the follow-on, and the day started with a missed opportunity for Australia as Steven Smith dropped KL Rahul on the very first ball.

Given the numerous rain delays in this Test, it feels like the contest has stretched on endlessly, with the opening day now a distant memory. Day 1 saw limited action as rain dominated proceedings, allowing only 13.2 overs to be bowled, during which the Australian openers remained unscathed after being put in under challenging conditions. On Day 2, the Indian pace attack made notable adjustments to their lines and lengths to reduce Australia to 75-3 in the first session. However, Travis Head and Steven Smith staged a remarkable recovery, forging a 241-run partnership that turned the tide, with both batters notching centuries. Jasprit Bumrah continued to shine for India, bagging six wickets, while Akash Deep bowled far better than his lone wicket suggested, constantly troubling the batters.

Well, that's that then! The Gabba Test has ended in a DRAW! Rain had the final say, and except for the second day, it made unwelcome appearances every other day to dampen the spirits of everyone involved. The series remains tied at 1-1 as we move to Melbourne next, followed by Sydney, for the remaining two Tests. Given the circumstances, India will certainly be relieved with the draw, but Australia, who held the aces, will leave Brisbane wondering what could have been had the weather shown some mercy.

UPDATE - 5.21 am GMT (10.51 am IST) - The rain continues to persist, and to make matters worse, a lightning warning has been issued in the area, further dimming the chances of play resuming. It’s an unfortunate and frustrating wait, but with the conditions as they are, there’s little that can be done. The teams are now shaking hands, which confirms that the match has officially ended in a DRAW. A frustrating end, perhaps, with the weather playing spoilsport but both teams fought hard over the course of the game and the series remains 1-1 with two games to go.

UPDATE - 5.03 am GMT (10.33 am IST) - The clouds have finally burst open, and it’s now raining heavily. The covers remain firmly in place, shielding the pitch from the downpour. At this point, all we can do is stay hopeful that the forecast takes a turn for the better and the skies clear up, allowing us to resume play.

At the start of the final innings, India, for the very first time in this game, would have felt a sense of optimism and the possibility of a favourable result. Both Jaiswal and Rahul batted cautiously in the 2.1 overs they faced before the fading light halted play. However, this game is once again battling against the weather, which has been a persistent challenge throughout. With rain expected to arrive at any moment, it seems likely that this thrilling contest will be heading towards a draw. With that said, the covers are being brought on, and they are firmly secured. Stick around for further updates!

What a session it was! Full of excitement and drama, it really brought the match to life. Australia came out all guns blazing with the bat in hand, but they were met with some terrific pace bowling that never allowed them to find their rhythm. Despite the pressure, they managed to add 89 runs, extending the lead to 274 before declaring. Pat Cummins and Alex Carey played key roles, providing some quick-fire runs in what was otherwise a struggle to add quick runs. On the other hand, it was great to see Jasprit Bumrah getting the support he deserved from the other two pacers, who helped keep Australia in check.

UPDATE - 4.33 am GMT (10.03 am IST) - Uh oh! It has gotten a lot darker, and it was only a matter of time. The umpires have checked the fading light on the meter, and with conditions deteriorating, they’ve decided to pull the players off the field. With this TEA has been taken on Day 5. It doesn’t seem long before the clouds might burst open, and the radar suggests more rain is on the way. With this latest interruption, we’re left waiting to see how the weather unfolds.

Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, 1 run.This is on a length, on the off-stump line, Rahul waits on the back foot and dabs it wide of point for a single.

Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, No run.Angling into the pads, on a length, Jaiswal clips it along the ground but picks out the man at mid-wicket.

Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, 3 runs.Pitched up by Cummins, at the stumps, Rahul shows the full face of the bat and just eases the drive to the left of mid on. A long chase for the mid on fielder who manages to cut it off. Rahul gets off the mark with three runs!

Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, No run.On the fuller side but the length is on leg, Rahul misses the flick shot and wears it on the front pad. Half a shout for LBW but that is going down leg.

Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, No run.Zeroing in on the off stump, on a good length, Rahul hangs back and defends it right under his eyes.

Pat Cummins to KL Rahul, No run.Oh, that's a beauty from Pat! Bowls a scrambled seam delivery, angling in and then nipping away, on off, Rahul presents a straight bat to keep it out but gets beaten on the outside edge due to the movement off the deck.

Pat Cummins to Yashasvi Jaiswal, 1 run.Drop and run! Cummins begins from around the wicket and lands it on the off-stump line, on a good length, Jaiswal taps it beside the pitch on the off side and calls Rahul through for a quick single.

With the ominous cloud cover creeping ever closer, casting a shadow over the ground and it getting darker by the second, Pat Cummins is ready to steam in from the other end.

Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, No run.Closer to the off-stump line, on a good length, Rahul is tempted into playing it but he does well not to go chasing the delivery. Tucks his bat inside the line and sees the ball go past him.

Mitchell Starc to KL Rahul, No run.Pushed across the batter, on a back of a length, KL Rahul holds his bat high up and makes the leave.

Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 runs.Jaiswal and India are underway! Sliding onto the pads, on a length, at 141.9 kph, Jaiswal lets the ball come to him and flicks it between mid-wicket and mid on. Nathan McSweeney gives it a chase and mops it up. Three runs taken.

Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, No run.Fuller in length from Starc, on middle, Jaiswal gets himself on the front foot and firms the drive to mid on.

Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, No run.This zips through in the probing channel on off and the length is also pulled back, Jaiswal has a feel for the delivery initially but then withdraws his bat.

Mitchell Starc to Yashasvi Jaiswal, No run.Attacking the stumps from over the wicket, a hint of late away shape, on a good length, Jaiswal takes a couple of steps down the track and defends it with a straight bat.

We are back with India's chase. The two umpires and the players have made their way out to the centre. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul will open the innings for India. Mitchell Starc will kickstart proceedings with the new ball for Australia.

... THE FOURTH INNINGS ...

While India might come out all guns blazing in pursuit of 275, the pitch still has plenty to offer for the bowlers, and Australia will fancy their chances of cracking through the vulnerable Indian top order once again. The absence of Josh Hazlewood is a significant blow for the hosts, and it could potentially haunt them in this critical phase. However, all of this will only come into play if the weather holds up, paving the way for what promises to be an exciting and dramatic chase. Fingers crossed for uninterrupted action that is just moments away!

While Jasprit Bumrah was at his brilliant best with the ball chipping three wickets, Akash Deep was relentless, dismantling the Australian top order with precision for his two wickets. Mohammed Siraj joined the party later in the innings, chipping in with two crucial wickets as well to further derail Australia’s charge. For the hosts, it was skipper Pat Cummins and Alex Carey who provided a late flourish, adding quick runs towards the end before declaration.

An extraordinary and action-packed innings has come to an end as Australia declare at 89/7, setting India a target of 275 runs. Australia began cautiously, seeing off the first few overs, but as the Indian pacers maintained their relentless persistence and made the ball talk, the hosts shifted gears. They went all out in their quest to add quick runs, though it came at the cost of wickets falling in a flurry. Surprisingly, they’ve declared much earlier than anyone anticipated, signalling their clear intent to push for a result. It’s a bold move that could swing the game in either team's favour if the weather allows enough time for play.

Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, 1 run.Honing in at the stumps from around the wicket, on a good length, Carey flicks it in front of square on the leg side for a run. Australia lead by 274 runs!

Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, No run.At the stumps, on a length, Carey drops it beside the pitch on the leg side and looks for a single but Bumrah is quick to get to the ball and prevents the single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, 1 run.Goes full does Bumrah, on off, Starc lofts it over the bowler's head and crosses over.

Jasprit Bumrah to Alex Carey, 1 run.On a back of a length, on middle, Carey tucks it in the vacant mid-wicket region and gets to the other end.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc, 1 run.This is on a good length, seaming away a touch, on off, Starc looks to defend it with a straight bat. Gets it off the outer half of the bat to the right of backward point for a run.

Mitchell Starc makes his way out to bat next!

Jasprit Bumrah to Pat Cummins, OUT! c KL Rahul b Jasprit Bumrah.OUT! CAUGHT! The fun is over for Cummins! Bumrah starts from over the wicket and slips in a slower delivery, on off, Cummins stays low to make the connection and sets himself up to go back over the bowler's head. Gets deceived by the slowness of the delivery and the ball goes straight up off the bottom part of the bat. KL Rahul at cover, runs over his right shoulder and takes the catch. Australia lose their 7th wicket with a lead of 270 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah is back into the attack! He has a quick word with the umpire to check the shape of the ball, which comfortably passes through the gauge. With that sorted, Bumrah strides back to the top of his mark, ready to charge in at Cummins.

Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, No run.Banged in short, at the left shoulder of the batter, Carey tries to help the pull away but misses.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, 1 run.Gets the yorker in does Siraj, on middle and leg, Cummins squeezes it out off the inner half of the bat to deep square leg for one.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Six!SIX Pace taken off by Siraj, on a nagging length, on middle, Cummins looks to loft it with a straight bat. The ball gets skied off the toe end of the bat but it goes right in between deep mid-wicket and wide long on. Jadeja runs to his right from wide long on but the ball evades him. It hits the boundary cushions on the full for a six.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, Four!FOUR! Dispatched with disdain! Short of a length, on off, Cummins gets it at a good height as he backs away and flat bats it up and over mid on for a boundary.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, No run.Slanting in, on off, on a length, Cummins clears his front leg and goes for a hack across the line. Gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, 1 run.Not in control but Carey gets away with it! Siraj bangs it into the deck, on off, Carey tries to take the short ball but the ball gets big on him. It lobs and drops right in between mid-wicket and mid on. Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah converge but the ball lands right in between them. The batters cross.

Akash Deep to Alex Carey, 1 run.On a hard length, over middle, Carey hangs on the back foot and nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.

Akash Deep to Alex Carey, No run.Angling away, on a back of a length, on off, Carey hangs back and dabs it down in front of cover.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, 1 run.Deep follows the batter as he sees him backing away, on a nagging length, Pat adjusts well and fends it down on the off side.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, Six!SIX! Hammered! Akash Deep had hit Cummins last evening for a six and he returns the favour! Short and over off, Pat Cummins backs away a bit and pulls it off the lower half of his bat but gets more than enough to get the ball sailing over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Akash Deep to Pat Cummins, Four!FOUR! Cracked by the Aussie skipper! On a fuller length, on off, Pat Cummins stands tall and tonks it over mid off for a boundary.

Akash Deep to Alex Carey, 1 run.Good length, into the pads, Alex Carey clips it to deep square leg for one.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, No run.Full and on middle and leg, Pat Cummins moves to his leg side and pushes it out towards cover.

Mohammed Siraj to Pat Cummins, No run.Short and outside off, Pat Cummins has a wild swing but connects thin air.

Drinks break! Well, Australia have been aggressive in their approach and in doing so, they have lost wickets along the way. However, with dark clouds looming overhead, it seems unlikely that we’ll be able to stay on the park for too much longer. The hosts currently have a lead of 245 runs. Pat Cummins joins Alex Carey out in the middle.

Mohammed Siraj to Travis Head, OUT! c Rishabh Pant b Mohammed Siraj.OUT! CAUGHT! Travis Head holes out. Another short one from Siraj, this time around middle and off, hit the deck kind of delivery. Travis Head looks to pull but the ball just gets big on him and lobs off the upper half to the gully region. Rishabh Pant calls for the catch and quickly moves across to take it with ease. Australia lose their 6th for 60 runs with a lead of 245 runs.

Mohammed Siraj to Travis Head, 2 runs.Back of a length, on middle, Travis Head winds up for a big pull shot but miscues it off his toe end but manages to get enough to get it over mid on for a couple of runs.

Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, 1 run.On a length, on off, Alex Carey taps it to cover and sets off for a quick single. KL Rahul charges at the ball, collects it in his right hand and tries to hit the bullseye at the batting end but misses.

Mohammed Siraj to Travis Head, 1 run.Short of a length, over middle, Travis Head makes room and punches it to deep point for a single.

Akash Deep to Alex Carey, Four!FOUR! THRASHED! Goes fuller this time, wide outside off, angles away from over the wicket, Alex Carey gets on the front foot and slams it on the up, wide of cover for a boundary.

Akash Deep to Alex Carey, 2 runs.Short of a length, around leg, the ball climbs onto the batter, Alex Carey tries to tickle but it comes off the gloves wide of deep fine leg for a couple of runs.

Akash Deep to Alex Carey, 4 Leg byes.FOUR LEG BYES! Akash Deep serves it fuller, around leg, from over the wicket, Alex Carey goes for a flick but misses it. The ball kisses the pads and runs away to the boundary wide of deep fine leg.

Akash Deep to Travis Head, 1 run.Back of a length, outside off, angles away, Travis Head pulls it wide of square leg for a single.

Akash Deep to Travis Head, No run.Short of a length, down the leg side, from over the wicket, Travis Head doesn't offer any shot at it as the ball goes to the keeper who takes it to his right.

Akash Deep to Alex Carey, 1 run.A tight single! Comes from around the wicket, hard length, around off, Alex Carey walks down the track and pats it to mid off and runs off. The fielder throws at the non striker's end but misses it.

Mohammed Siraj to Travis Head, No run.On a good length, on middle and off, Travis Head blocks it to cover.

Mohammed Siraj to Travis Head, No run.Drags the length by a bit to Head and keeps it around off and shaping away, Travis Head looks to play at it away from his body but gets beaten on the outside edge through to the keeper. There seemed to be a noise as the ball went past the bat and Mohammed Siraj was briefly interested but nobody else backed up.

Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, 1 run.Angles it into the batter, on a length, Alex Carey fails to tuck it across and the ball goes off his pads in front of the bowler to his left. The batters steal a leg bye as Siraj quickly mops it up.

Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, No run.Goes very full and keeps it outside off, Alex Carey firms his drive but can't beat mid off.

Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, No run.Full and on off, Alex Carey taps it to mid on.

Mohammed Siraj to Alex Carey, Four!FOUR! Beautiful shot from Carey! Width offered by Siraj, outside off, fuller in length, Alex Carey cracks his drive through covers with elegance to get himself and his team four more runs.

The sun has disappeared as clouds have rolled over the stadium.

Akash Deep to Alex Carey, Leg bye.Short of a length, around middle, seaming in, the ball climbs onto the batter, Alex Carey wears it on the thigh pad as he tries to keep it down. They get leg bye as the ball rolls towards point.

Akash Deep to Alex Carey, 2 runs.On a good length, around off, angles in, Alex Carey comes forward and drives it wide of cover for a couple of runs as the fielder chases it comfortably.

Akash Deep to Alex Carey, No run.Ooh! Hard length, just outside off, angling in and straightening off the deck, Alex Carey gets beaten on the outside edge from the front foot.

Akash Deep to Travis Head, 1 run.Short of a length, around middle, Travis Head pulls it wide of square leg for a single.

Akash Deep to Travis Head, No run.On a good length, around middle, nips back in, Travis Head keeps it down with ease.

Akash Deep to Travis Head, 2 runs.Goes fuller, from around the wicket, around middle, angles in, Travis Head flicks it and his one hand leaves the handle of the bat. The ball goes wide of mid on and they take a couple of runs.

Alex Carey walks out to bat now.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, OUT! c Rishabh Pant b Mohammed Siraj.OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Smith is strangled down leg by Siraj and his happiness knows no bounds! A brilliant take from Rishabh Pant sees Smith trudge back for just 4 runs as Australia lose half their side. Back of a length, angling down leg, Steven Smith stays rooted in the crease and looks to tickle it down leg but only manages to get a feather of an inside edge that brushes the thigh and flies to the left of the keeper. Rishabh Pant does exceptionally well to dive to that side with fully stretched hands and snaffles it in. Australia are 33/5, leading by 218 runs.

The sun is shining but dark clouds are lurking ominously in the distance.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, Four!FOUR! A counter punch from Steven Smith! On a good length, on middle and off, Smith steps down to the pitch of the ball and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, No run.On a good length, on off, Steven Smith pushes it to mid off.

Mohammed Siraj to Steven Smith, No run.Very full, on middle and off, Steven Smith shuffles and looks for a booming drive with a straight bat but miscues it one off the inner half of his bat falling short of Shubman Gill at short mid-wicket.

Mohammed Siraj to Travis Head, 1 run.Spears it full, on leg, Travis Head clips it to the left of mid on where Devdutt Padikkal is quick to move and dives to his left to cut it off, keeping it down to just a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Travis Head, No run.Comes back into the attack and angles one across Head, outside off and on a length, Travis Head looks to cut it square on the off side but misses.

Akash Deep to Steven Smith, No run.Ends with a full ball, around off, angling in, Steven Smith keeps it off with ease.

Steven Smith is in at number 6.

Akash Deep to Mitchell Marsh, OUT! c Rishabh Pant b Akash Deep.OUT! GONE! CAUGHT BEHIND! Australia are four down! Akash Deep gets his second! Back of a length from over the wicket, just outside off, straightens off the deck, Mitchell Marsh tries to play a back foot punch with no feet movement. He tries to withdraw his bat but it is too late by then. The ball kisses the outside edge and goes straight to the keeper Rishabh Pant who takes a simple catch. Mitchell Marsh departs after scoring just 2 runs.

Akash Deep to Travis Head, 1 run.Good length, around middle, Travis Head comes down the track to play at it. Gets an inside edge that rolls down to deep fine leg for a single.

Akash Deep to Mitchell Marsh, 1 run.Good length, around off, angles in, Mitchell Marsh goes for a back foot punch and gets an inside edge wide of deep fine leg for a single.

Akash Deep to Mitchell Marsh, No run.Hard length, around middle and leg, shapes in, Mitchell Marsh looks to flick it away but the ball nips back in and gets beaten on the inside edge again. Marsh wears it on the pads. A mild appeal for LBW but it is clearly going down leg.

Akash Deep to Mitchell Marsh, No run.BEATEN! Goes fuller from over the wicket, just outside off, nips back in sharply, Mitchell Marsh goes for an expansive drive but stays rooted in the crease and gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball zips past the off stump.

Jasprit Bumrah to Travis Head, Four!FOUR! All class on that one! Jasprit Bumrah drags the length back and keeps it just outside off. Travis Head waits for the ball to arrive to him and opens the bat face to punch it past backward point to his right.

Jasprit Bumrah to Travis Head, No run.Full again, on off, Travis Head firms his drive but straight to cover.

Jasprit Bumrah to Travis Head, Four!FOUR! That's Travis Head for you! Cracking shot to get off the mark after a couple of nervy deliveries to start the innings! Full and on middle and leg, Travis Head flicks it in front of square on the leg side and gets a boundary.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Marsh, 1 run.Angles it into the batter, on a back of a length, around the hips, Mitchell Marsh tucks it behind square on the leg side and gets a single to go off the mark.