Australia-India third Test ends in rain-hit draw; Ashwin retires

Posted : 18 December 2024

The third Test between Australia and India in Brisbane on Wednesday saw both teams displaying aggressive cricket, but rain and bad light led to an early stoppage in the afternoon. As a result, the match ended in a draw, leaving the series tied at 1-1. Following the match, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket.

In the morning session, India’s innings was brought to a close when Akash Deep was stumped off Travis Head, ending their crucial last-wicket partnership with Jasprit Bumrah. India was bowled out for 260, leaving Australia with a 185-run lead after the first innings. The hosts then set out to build a defendable total in their second innings.

However, Bumrah's brilliant bowling spell left Australia struggling at 33-5. Captain Pat Cummins then played a quick cameo, scoring 22 runs off 10 balls before declaring with Australia at 89-7. This left India needing 275 runs for victory with 54 overs remaining, a target that was achievable in one-day cricket conditions.

Despite the reachable target, the persistent threat of bad weather meant that play was soon interrupted. Only three overs were possible before rain and fading light ended the match prematurely, with India at 8-0. The draw left India with the task of winning the remaining two Tests to qualify for the World Test Championship final in June at Lord’s. Australia also needs to win two more Tests to secure their place in the final.

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, remained optimistic after the match, acknowledging the interruptions but focusing on the confidence they gained from going into the Melbourne Test level at 1-1. He praised the resilience shown by Akash Deep and Bumrah in difficult circumstances, and noted that the team's bowlers had performed well throughout the match.

Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, expressed satisfaction with his team’s overall performance despite the disappointing draw. "I’m really happy with how the guys played," he said, emphasizing that Australia had been ahead in the game for most of the match. Both teams will now look to the remaining Tests with high stakes for the World Test Championship final.

In a significant post-match announcement, Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian off-spinner, confirmed that he would retire from international cricket. The 38-year-old, with 537 wickets in 106 Tests, is one of India’s all-time greats and second only to Anil Kumble in his country’s record books. Ashwin’s decision marks the end of an illustrious international career, as he declared it would be his final day as an Indian cricketer in all formats.

Australia-India third Test ends in rain-hit draw; Ashwin retires

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