The third Test between Australia and India ended in a hard-fought draw at the Gabba in Brisbane, but not before the hosts’ batting frailties were laid bare once again by a relentless Indian bowling attack. Despite a daring declaration that set up an improbable run chase on the final day, Australia’s top order crumbled in familiar fashion, raising serious concerns as the series heads into the deciding fourth Test in Melbourne with the scoreline locked at 1-1.
Aussie Batting Woes Continue
While Australia’s bold second innings declaration in pursuit of an unlikely victory deserves praise, it also provided India’s bowlers with an opportunity to expose the recurring weaknesses in the home side’s batting lineup. The Australian top order once again found themselves in deep trouble, collapsing to a precarious 33-5 before rain intervened to end the contest prematurely.
The manner of the dismissals was particularly concerning, with each of the top five batsmen falling in ways that have become worryingly familiar throughout this series:
- Usman Khawaja, repeatedly troubled by Jasprit Bumrah’s angled deliveries, was once again castled by the paceman.
- Marnus Labuschagne, after chasing wide balls in the first innings, fell in similar fashion to a rising Bumrah delivery.
- Nathan McSweeney, the makeshift opener, struggled against the new ball and edged behind.
- Mitchell Marsh, picked as an all-rounder but unable to bowl, made a tentative prod and nicked off.
- Steve Smith, the first innings centurion, was squared up and caught down the leg side, continuing a worrying trend.
While the lower order launched a brief counterattack, the damage had already been done. India’s bowlers, led by the irrepressible Bumrah, had once again exposed the soft underbelly of the Australian batting, leaving the hosts with more questions than answers as they look ahead to the series finale.
Pressure Mounts on Struggling Stars
As the series moves to Melbourne with everything on the line, the spotlight will intensify on Australia’s misfiring batting stars. Khawaja, who turned 38 during this Test, hasn’t made a century in over 18 months, while Labuschagne and Smith have failed to convert starts into the big scores expected of players of their caliber.
With McSweeney appearing out of his depth at the top of the order and all-rounders like Marsh and Head unable to provide the required ballast, the onus falls squarely on the shoulders of the experienced core to turn things around quickly. As a team insider confided:
The boys know they need to step up and be counted. It’s now or never. We can’t keep relying on our bowlers to bail us out every time. The batters need to take responsibility and get the job done in Melbourne.
– A source close to the Australian team
India Scent Blood Ahead of Decider
For India, this drawn Test will feel like a moral victory. Their bowlers once again had the measure of Australia’s batsmen, and if not for the Brisbane weather, they might well have pressed home their advantage. Bumrah was unplayable at times, claiming 9 wickets for the match, and he will no doubt be licking his lips at the prospect of one final crack at the Aussie lineup.
With momentum on their side and Australia’s batting woes mounting, India will fancy their chances of claiming a historic series win Down Under. For the hosts, the task is clear – solve their top-order troubles, or risk watching their proud home record crumble along with their batting order.
As the cricketing world turns its attention to the MCG for the series decider, one thing is certain: Australia’s batsmen are drinking in the last chance saloon. It’s time for them to stand up and deliver, or face the consequences of another failed campaign on home soil.
