Exciting Finish at the Gabba: Rain, Drama, and a Shocking Retirement
India vs Australia The first Test of the series at the Gabba has concluded, with India salvaging a draw against Australia, thanks in part to the unpredictable Brisbane weather. With the series now tied at 1-1, both teams are set to clash in the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The final day at the Gabba offered a mix of thrilling cricket, emotional moments, and a shocking retirement announcement that took the cricketing world by surprise.
4:00 PM
That’s a wrap from the Gabba! India, aided by rain interruptions, managed to draw the Test. Both teams now head to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test with the series level. The match featured some outstanding cricket moments, and a surprising twist with the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin. Quite a dramatic final day! Signing off for now, this is Abhimanyu, alongside Alex Malcolm and Thilak Ram. See you all in Melbourne!
3:50 PM – BREAKING NEWS
Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket. In an emotional press conference, he revealed that today was his “last day as an Indian cricketer.” The cricketing community was left stunned by this decision, especially in the middle of such a crucial series.
Alex Malcolm: “Ashwin’s decision to retire mid-series is shocking and unexpected.”
Prasanna S: “This feels like a Dhoni-esque exit. Sudden and unanticipated, just like Dhoni’s retirement in 2014 after the MCG Test. Ashwin still had 2-3 good years left in him. Thank you, Ashwin, for all the unforgettable memories!”
Presentation Ceremony
Pat Cummins (Australia captain):
“We set up a decent total with 450 on the board, but it’s tough when a player like Josh Hazlewood goes down with an injury. The rain interruptions didn’t help either. However, there were bright spots—Smith and Travis Head played exceptionally, and Starc took crucial wickets. Credit to the team for giving it their all despite the challenges.”
Rohit Sharma (India captain):
“The rain wasn’t ideal, but a 1-1 scoreline heading into Melbourne is a positive. It boosts our confidence. The team showed great character—Jadeja’s innings and Rahul’s effort at the top were crucial. Our bowlers, especially Bumrah, delivered when it mattered most. Special mention to Akash Deep for his grit; matches like these are valuable learning experiences for him.”
Player of the Match: Travis Head:
“This was a challenging wicket, and I’m pleased with how I adjusted to the conditions. Partnering with Smith was a key moment, and I’m happy with the rhythm I’ve found in this series. I’ve worked hard on assessing match situations and adapting my batting tempo accordingly.”
Key Highlights of Day 5
Rain Saves India: The persistent rain ultimately ensured a draw, saving India from what could have been a daunting chase.
Bumrah’s Contribution: Jasprit Bumrah’s all-around performance, including some crucial runs with the bat, stood out in this match.
Ground Staff’s Effort: The unsung heroes of the match were undoubtedly the Gabba ground staff, who worked tirelessly to ensure play resumed whenever possible.
Fan Reactions:
Venk: “Who did the rain save? Australia or India? It’s up for debate!”
NH: “Brisbane’s Gabba becomes a water park—perfect timing for the Olympics!”
Ryan: “Despite the disappointing result, this was anything but a dull draw. Credit to both teams for keeping us entertained.”
Looking Ahead
The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground promises to be an enthralling encounter. With the series level, both teams have everything to play for. For Australia, it’s about regrouping after a missed opportunity, while India will look to carry forward the momentum and capitalize on their escape at the Gabba.
Stay tuned for more updates and live coverage from Melbourne!