BRISBANE, Dec 18: India escaped with a crucial draw in the weather-hit third Test against Australia after intermittent rain wiped out majority of play on day five, leaving the five-match series tantalisingly locked at 1-1.
Resuming the day at 252 for nine, India batted for 24 balls and were all out for 260 in their first innings.
With limited time left in the day to force a result after majority of the morning session was rained out, the Australian batters came out all guns blazing and stuttered to 89 for seven in 18 overs before making a brave declaration, giving India at least 54 overs to chase down 275.
Bad light and rain forced an early tea break soon after with India at 8 for no loss in 2.1 overs. The rain got heavier as the time passed and no play was possible thereafter.
The absorbing series is nicely poised going into the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
India would have fancied chasing 275 on day five but weather helped them immensely in the game controlled by Australia.
Jasprit Bumrah (3/18) was brilliant as usual in the second innings with Mohammed Siraj (2/36) and Akash Deep (2/28) offering good support.
Australia’s approach in the second essay was brave and questionable at the same time.
Nathan McSweeney (4) and Marnus Labuschagne (1) went after balls outside the off-stump and perished while Usman Khawaja (8) and Mitchell Marsh (2) fell to good deliveries.
Wickets falling in a heap did not impact Australia’s approach as they kept going for the big hits. Skipper Cummins chipped in with two sixes and as many fours before the declaration.
In the morning session, lightening and subsequent rain allowed only 24 balls to be bowled.
The warning of severe weather was flashed on the digital scoreboard at the Gabba shortly after India were bowled out for 260 in their first innings, handing Australia a lead of 185 runs. (PTI)
Brief Scores:
Australia 1st Innings: 445
India 1st innings: 260 all out in 78.5 overs (KL Rahul 84; Ravindra Jadeja 77; Pat Cummins 4/81).
Australia 2nd Innings: 89/7; 18 overs (Pat Cummins 22, Alex Carey 19 not out; Jasprit Bumrah 3/18, Mohammed Siraj 2/35, Akash Deep 2/28).
India 2nd Innings: 8 for no loss; 2.1 overs.
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