Cricket enthusiasts were treated to thrilling action during the third Test match between India and Australia at the Gabba, where India defied the odds and avoided the follow-on, leading to much debate around strategies employed by both teams.
On the final day of the Test, Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah partnered for 39 runs at the tailend of India’s innings, rescuing the team from what could have been dire consequences—allowing Australia to enforce the follow-on. This spirited effort from the lower order not only uplifted the Indian dressing room but also set the stage for what promises to be an exciting continuation of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, Australia’s captain and lead spinner respectively, faced sharp criticism for their tactics as they pushed to secure the elusive final wicket. Analysts highlighted the Australian bowlers' conservative strategy, with key figures noting the frequent deliveries bowled at the stumps—noting its inefficacy late on Day 5. Former England captain Michael Vaughan remarked, "It was interesting tactics from Australia. Australia got it one wrong," marking his disapproval of the seemingly hesitant lines chosen by Cummins and Lyon during such pivotal moments of the match.
Kerry O'Keefe, commentated on Fox Sports, also questioned Lyon’s field settings, particularly when he opted for long-on placement, stating, "He is almost consumed with bouncing the ball, rather than drifting it across the right hander." The commentary underlined the frustration felt by viewers who believed the Australian captain should have attacked more aggressively, especially with the tailenders. "Cummins’ poor fields are going to lose him the opportunity of victory," tweeted cricket fan Matthew McGahey, expressing the sentiments shared by many.
Despite the criticism leveled at Cummins and Lyon, it is noteworthy how both bowlers toiled hard under humid conditions. Cummins, alongside Mitchell Starc, bowled with determination, especially since Australia was already facing struggles with key bowler Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to injury. Viewed through the lens of fatigue yet striving for victory, Cummins' decisions were puzzling to some, as he allowed Akash Deep and Bumrah to freely accumulate runs at such tense moments.
Contrasting the action on the field, KL Rahul emerged as the standout performer from India's batting lineup, earning acclaim from legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. Rahul not only remained the highest scorer for India with his composed innings of 84 runs but also garnered praise for his ability to leave deliveries outside the off-stump and withstand the tempestuous conditions during the match. Gavaskar noted, "KL Rahul left deliveries very close to the off-stump so consistently... his judgment outside off-stump was fantastic," emphasizing how Rahul’s technique reflected patience and exemplary judgement—a necessity for success on foreign soil.
While Rahul’s innings were pivotal, he wasn’t the only one contributing to India’s effort. Ravindra Jadeja helped the cause with his valuable 77 runs—alongside the last-wicket partnership highlighted earlier, they all combined to keep India afloat just long enough to avoid challenging circumstances as the match wound down to the final day.
Looking forward, the dynamics of the series change following this match, especially with Hazlewood confirmed to miss the upcoming Tests. Australian team management is expected to pivot strategically, likely bringing Scott Boland to fill the void left by the injured bowler, promising another round of intriguing cricket, particularly with the MCG match looming on the horizon.
Both teams will have much to deliberate following the Test—India for their fighting spirit and tactical resilience, and Australia for their strategic decisions and how best to adapt and overcome this setback. Enthusiasts eagerly await the next chapter of this gripping contest as the series continues to develop.
