Indian cricket fans are now used to hearing that the Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah broke any bowling record in international cricket. During the opening day of the Melbourne Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Bumrah broke an MCG record of an Indian legend. 

The five-match Test series between Australia and India in Australia, which is also a part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, is currently standing at 1-1 after the first three Tests. Australian captain Pat Cummins chose to bat first on the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

All the top four Australian batters recorded 50+ runs as the hosts ended the crucial fourth Test opening day at 311/6. Once again, the Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah rescued the Indian team as he took three crucial wickets. The right-arm fast bowler ended the day with the bowling figures of 21-7-75-3.

On the opening day of the MCG Test, Bumrah dismissed the set opener Usman Khawaja (57), in-form Travis Head (0), and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh (4). With these three wickets, Bumrah has taken his total Test wickets tally at the MCG to 18.

See Also: First time in cricket history: Corbin Bosch’s first-ball wicket creates a rare feat

Jasprit Bumrah: Leading Test wicket-taker at MCG by an Indian

By taking the wicket of Khawaja, Bumrah broke the previous record for most Test wickets at the MCG by an Indian bowler. Legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble previously held the record with 15 wickets. 

Indian bowlers with the most Test wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Joint third leading international wicket-taker at MCG by an Indian

With 21 international wickets, Bumrah became the joint third leading international wicket-taker at the MCG by an Indian. 

Indian bowlers with the most international wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Bumrah recorded his most wickets in a bilateral Test series

On the other hand, Bumrah has already recorded 24 wickets in the ongoing away Test series. It is the new record for Bumrah to pick up the most wickets in a Test series. His previous record for most wickets in a Test series was 23 wickets during the India tour of England in 2021-2022.

The Indian Cricket Team has had its own share of ups and downs. The Men in Blue have seen it all, be it ending the ICC title drought run or having a disastrous and whitewashed three-match home test series loss against the Kiwis.

But, regarding the ups, the shortest format gave scrumptious success and joy amongst the Indian cricket fanatics. With their 2nd ever ICC T20 World Cup triumph after a long gap, leading them to be the No. 1 team in the ICC T20I rankings, it deserves noteworthy praise.

That said, here's the list of the top three formidable victories of the Indian Cricket Team, the T20I edition.

Many young cricketers rose to prominence in 2024, with outstanding performances across all forms. Among them, five players stood out for their promising performances on the big stage, implying that they may be the future foundation of Indian cricket.

Overall, the Indian cricket team has been a thorough breeding ground for fresh and developing talent, making an influence in the most effective manner conceivable.

It is no surprise to find the current and prominent emerging players who would play a decisive role in earning India's probable future ICC titles, tournaments or bilateral series wins. That said, here's a list of the top five debutants from the Indian Cricket Team, the 2024 edition.

The third Test between India and Australia may have ended in a draw, but it represents a significant win for India in the larger context of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and the World Test Championship (WTC). Here’s why this result is a positive outcome for India:

The Series Is Still Level at 1–1

By avoiding a loss in this Test, India has kept the series alive at 1–1. With two matches remaining, the team has a great opportunity to capitalize on venues like Melbourne and Sydney, where they have a strong record. The draw ensures that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains within reach, with everything to play for in the remaining matches.

Strategic Advantage at Friendly Venues

India’s success at Melbourne and Sydney provides a significant psychological edge. Melbourne, in particular, has been a favorable venue for India in recent years. Since the 2010–11 tour, India has not lost a single match at Melbourne, consistently securing either a win or a draw. This record makes the upcoming fourth Test a critical opportunity for India to take the lead in the series.

See Also: Travis Head doubtful for Melbourne Test? Cummins gives crucial update

Keeps WTC Final Hopes Alive

The draw has secured crucial points for India in the WTC standings, keeping their hopes for the final alive. The possible outcomes for India’s WTC journey are as follows:

• If India Wins the Series 3–1
  A 3–1 series victory will confirm India’s spot in the WTC final without needing to rely on other results.
• If the Series Ends 2–2
  In this case, India’s fate will depend on Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka. To keep India’s chances alive, Sri Lanka must win at least one match against Australia.
• If India Loses or Draws Both Remaining Matches
  A 2–1 or 1–1 series result would likely eliminate India from the WTC race, as they would require multiple favorable results in other series to stay in contention.

What Lies Ahead?

The focus now shifts to the fourth Test at Melbourne, which could be a pivotal moment for India in both the BGT and WTC races. A victory there would put immense pressure on Australia heading into the final Test in Sydney, a venue historically known for drawn matches.

Although the third Test did not produce a definitive result, it has set the stage for an exciting finale to the series. For India, this draw is an opportunity to regroup and push for a series victory that could also secure their place in the WTC final. The race is far from over, and India is firmly in control of their destiny.

Despite many rain interruptions, which can be a driving factor for possible draw result of the crucial Brisbane Test, the fourth day of the Test match was full of thriller. The visitors India just managed to save the follow-on and it was a completely thrilling moment in the dressing room which made the former Indian captain Virat Kohli very excited. 

With the help of Steven Smith (101) and Travis Head’s (152) centuries and Alex Carey’s 70,  Australia were all out for 445 runs in the first innings after the Indian captain Rohit Sharma chose to field first in the Gabba Test. 

In reply, India ended the third day of the Test match at 51/4. Early on the fourth day, captain Rohit Sharma (10) lost his wicket to the Aussie skipper Pat Cummins as the visitors were struggling at 74/5 and the follow-on scare was there.

KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja brought the hope

While opener KL Rahul was solid with the bat, except for providing an opportunity on the first ball of the day, Ravindra Jadeja gave him solid support. They had a 67-run partnership before Rahul was dismissed for 84 runs by Steven Smith’s incredible catch. 

After Rahul was out, in-form batter Nitish Kumar Reddy provided another support to Ravindra Jadeja. They had a 53-run partnership for the eighth wicket, and Reddy was out after scoring 16 runs. 

While Mohammed Siraj lost his wicket for one run, Jadeja lost his wicket after bravely fighting with 77 runs off 123 balls with the help of seven fours and one six. At that point, India scored 213/9, and they still required 32 more runs to avoid the follow-on.

See Also: Will Australia miss Hazlewood for the remaining BGT?

Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep did the job perfectly

The last two batters Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep didn’t lose their hope. The last moments were very thrilling where Akash Deep ultimately rescued the visitors by officially avoiding the follow-on with a boundary to Cummins over the gully fielder.   

While India avoided follow-on with that boundary, Kohli and the head coach Gautam Gambhir had a passionate high-five. Kohli also had another passionate celebration with the skipper Rohit Sharma.

Akash Deep then slammed a sixer to Cummins. Soon, the day ended after the bad light interrupted the game once again.  

Akash Deep makes sure India avoid the follow-on and then smashes Pat Cummins into the second level!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/HIu86M7BNW

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2024

#TeamIndia have avoided the follow-on. AUSTRALIA WILL HAVE TO BAT AGAIN!#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 3rd Test, Day 5 | 18th DEC, WED, 5:15 AM on Star Sports! #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/DqW3C9DMJX

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 17, 2024

THE SHOW-STOPPER AKASH DEEP! 😎#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 3rd Test, Day 5 | 18th DEC, WED, 5:15 AM! #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/Yi8RQxoqhK

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 17, 2024

Day 3 of the 3rd Test match between India and Australia at Brisbane unfolded with a mix of challenges for India, highlighted by persistent rain interruptions, a strong Australian performance, and India’s batting struggles. Australia’s impressive total of 445 set the tone before rain delays forced an early lunch. The overcast skies and frequent stoppages dominated the day, adding to the drama on the field and leaving fans eager for a turnaround.

India’s Batting Collapse and Short Play in the Second and Third Session

India began their innings poorly, with the top order crumbling under pressure. At 44/4, the team found itself in dire straits. Frequent rain delays meant that only 14.1 overs were possible in the second session.

After a two-hour delay due to heavy rain, play resumed in the third session, but only 17 balls were bowled before poor light forced an early end to the day’s play. India finished Day 3 at 51/4, with their hopes pinned on a fightback on Day 4.

Key Highlights of the Day

• Rain interruptions: Over 70% of the day was lost to rain.

• Australia’s dominance: The team extended their lead to 394 runs by the end of Day 3, putting pressure on India.

• India’s batting collapse: The top order failed again, leaving India in a precarious position.

• Minimal play in the third session: Only 17 balls were bowled before bad light ended play.

Day 3 at Brisbane presented a tough challenge for India, with a batting collapse adding to the team’s ongoing struggles. With rain expected to disrupt play over the next two days, the spotlight shifts to India’s ability to stage a determined fightback on Day 4. As fans hold onto hope, the weather and resilience of the Indian lineup will play crucial roles in shaping the outcome of this Test match.

India are in a difficult position in the Brisbane Test, as even the rainy third day of the Test match couldn’t save the visitors from the uncomfortable situation. 

Starting the third day at 405/7, the hosts scored 445 runs after spending more than 15 overs on the crucial rain-marred day. Just like the forecast, rain dominated the third day of the Test match, where India are on the back foot at 51/4 at the early stumps of the day. 

See Also: Mandhana and Rodrigues propel India's win in the series opener against West Indies

Only KL Rahul managed to reach the double-digit score

Except for the opener KL Rahul, all other Indian batters who came out to bat haven’t reached the double-digit mark. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal started the innings with a boundary but was out on the next delivery of Mitchell Starc after setting up a catch for Mitchell Marsh at forward square leg. 

Shubman Gill only managed to score 1 run as the right-handed batter was Starc’s next victim after Marsh took a flying catch at the gully. 

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli once again lost his wicket in a similar fashion as Josh Hazlewood has returned to Test cricket with a key wicket. 

Rishabh Pant came to bat at no. 5, and the left-handed batter was caught behind at nine runs as the Aussie skipper Pat Cummins took his first wicket of the match. 

With the help of four boundaries, opener KL Rahul remained not out for 33 runs off 64 balls. Indian captain Rohit Sharma was not out for none after facing six deliveries. 

Alex Carey scored 70 after Jasprit Bumrah's six-fer

In the morning session, Jasprit Bumrah completed his six-wicket haul after dismissing Mitchell Starc, who was caught behind for 18 runs. Before that wicket, Alex Carrey completed his half-century. While Mohammed Siraj then bowled Nathan Lyon for just two runs, Akash Deep took his first wicket of the match by dismissing Carrey for 70 runs off 88 balls (seven fours and two sixes).

The third Test match between Australia and India at the Gabba has begun, but rain is already affecting the game. India won the toss and chose to bowl first. Many experts questioned this decision, but captain Rohit Sharma likely considered the weather, with moisture on the surface that would help the bowlers get movement with the ball in the warm conditions. This strategy seemed to be aimed at taking advantage of these conditions for the bowlers. And, in the short period of play, India's bowlers—Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep—found good swing and troubled the Australian batsmen, but Australia managed to stay at 28/0 after 13.2 overs.

At stumps on Day 1, Australia was still 28/0, with no wickets lost. However, rain interrupted the game, washing out both the second and third sessions for the day. The first session also saw a short delay due to light drizzle, but the second bout of heavy rain ended the day’s play with very little action. Now, the question is—what about tomorrow or the days after? Let’s take a look at the weather forecast for the next few days in Brisbane to see how it might impact the rest of the match.

Rainy Weather Ahead:

Here’s the weather forecast for the next few days in Brisbane:

Sunday, December 15: Cloudy
Monday, December 16: Showers
Tuesday, December 17: Thunderstorms
Wednesday, December 18: Thunderstorms

Rain has already disrupted play on Day 1, with only 13.2 overs bowled. If rain comes again after Day 1, the game could face more delays, adding to the ongoing challenge. The wet outfield caused long delays, making it difficult for the ground staff to prepare the field.

Also Read: Brisbane Test, Day 1: Rain frustrates opening day

How Rain Can Impact this Test Match at Gabba AUS vs IND:

If the rain continues over the next few days, many game sessions might be lost. Even with extra playing time, it will be difficult to complete the full match. This increases the chances of the game ending in a draw.

What This Means for this Border Gavaskar Trophy Series:

The series is currently tied at 1–1. If this Test ends in a draw, the winner of the series will depend on the last two matches. Both teams need to win the remaining games to claim the series victory.

This match at the Gabba is crucial for both teams, but the weather might ruin their chances of getting a result. Let’s hope the rain stays away so we can enjoy some great cricket.

The Gabba in Brisbane has long been regarded as Australia's stronghold, a place where the home team has always prevailed. For India, this field has been a source of both frustration and glory, capturing the highs and lows of cricket struggles in Australia, as they had just one but significant victory on Brisbane soil.

As India prepares for their next and crucial third Test match at this legendary venue on December 14, 2024, here are the top five most memorable Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) matches played at the Gabba, Brisbane.

The tension of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is at its peak as the five-match Test series between the hosts Australia and the visitors India is currently at 1-1 with three Tests to be played yet. The Brisbane Cricket Ground at Woolloongabba in Brisbane, the venue popularly known as The Gabba, will host the third Test of the series. 

Perth Stadium hosted the Test series opener, where India won by 295 runs. Meanwhile, the Adelaide Oval hosted the second Test, which was the only day-night pink-ball Test match of the series, Australia won by 10 wickets. 

Talking about the Indian squad for the upcoming Gabba Test, there is big news waiting on Mohammed Shami. If everything goes well, the 34-year-old Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami can travel to Australia for the Test series. To see him in the third Test, Shami’s no more delayed presence in the Indian team is vital, as the journey, adjusting to the different conditions, and proper practice really matters.   

Here, we will see India’s probable XI for the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. 

Top-order batters

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are likely to continue their opening partnership for the third Test. While Jaiswal scored ducks in the first innings of the first two Tests, he scored a game-changing 161 runs and an impressive 24 runs in the second innings of the first and second Tests, respectively. On the other hand, opener Rahul’s scores in this Test series are 26, 77, 37, and 7 runs. 

Shubman Gill returned for the second Test after recovering from the injuries. He scored 31 and 28 runs, where he showcased his classy shots. Just like Rahul, Gill also needs to utilise their good starts.

Middle-order batters

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli scored a crucial 100 not out during the third innings of the Perth Test. However, the right-handed batter’s other scores in the series are 5, 7, and 11 runs. Kohli is struggling to handle the fourth-stump line deliveries, which are becoming more challenging for him after carrying extra bounce. 

The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is confident in the no.5 batting position. While he can also play in the late batting order, he needs good support from the other end, which will become more dangerous for the opponents. 

Captain Rohit Sharma can bat at no.5 or no.6 according to the game situation. After missing the first Test due to parental leave, he was dismissed cheaply (6 and 3 runs) in the second Test. 

Pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has highly impressed with the bat in this Test series by scoring 30 or more runs in all four innings (41, 38*, 42, 42). His stats become more impressive by scoring the runs majorly without support from the other end. After experiencing his batting performances, we are confused about whether it is his first Test series or not. 

Spinner(s)

Ravichandran Ashwin bowled really well with the pink ball during the second Test at Adelaide Oval. However, as the Gabba is hardly known for the spinners, India may prefer to go with Washington Sundar for the upcoming Test match to make the batting order deeper. However, the experienced Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja can play a similar role to Sundar. Here, we are picking Sundar at the present moment.   

However, due to the Test at Gabba, Rohit Sharma-led India can also go with four genuine pace bowlers by resting the only spinner.

Pacer(s)

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will definitely serve as the main pacers. India are desperate for Mohammed Shami, whose presence will massively help the Indian pace-bowling line-up by sharing the workload. Also, Shami is highly suitable for the fast pitch like Gabba. 

In the case of Shami’s absence, Harshit Rana can continue his spot. Rana has impressed in both Test matches, and there is more room for improvement. In the case of four pacers, Rana will surely play, and Akash Deep can get an opportunity in the absence of Shami. 

India’s probable XI: Yashsavi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Rohit Sharma (Captain), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Shami/Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. 

Possible out(s): Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshit Rana

Possible in(s): Washington Sundar, Mohammed Shami (subject to availability)