The ongoing third Test between India and Australia has set cricket fans abuzz, with Google searches for “India vs Australia Test” surging over 100,000 times. The drama unfolded on day five as Australia declared at 89 for seven in a frenetic afternoon session, setting India a target of 275 runs.
The Australians, with limited time and rain disruptions, batted aggressively for 18 overs, throwing caution to the wind. Pat Cummins (22 off 10 balls, including two sixes and two fours), Alex Carey (20* off 20), and Travis Head (17 off 19) contributed quickfire runs before the declaration. India, chasing the target, were eight for no loss in their second innings when rain forced an early tea break.
Jasprit Bumrah shone with a superb spell, taking 3/18, while Mohammed Siraj (2/36) and Akash Deep (2/28) provided excellent support. Wickets fell in clusters as Nathan McSweeney (4) and Marnus Labuschagne (1) slashed at wide deliveries, while Usman Khawaja (8) and Mitchell Marsh (2) succumbed to precise bowling.
The morning session saw minimal play due to lightning and rain, with only 24 balls bowled. Earlier, India avoided the follow-on thanks to a gritty 47-run partnership between Akash Deep (31) and Bumrah (10*), before Deep was stumped off Travis Head. Australia’s first-innings lead of 185 runs had given them a strong position, but with rain looming, the match’s outcome now hangs in the balance.