Former Indian national cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri has spoken about the India vs Australia draw at the Gabba in Brisbane. He said the Rohit Sharma-led team should celebrate this and will lift them in the last two games of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
In what was a massive result in the context of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025, the third Test between India National Cricket Team and Australia National Cricket Team ended in a draw. The match was still tilted in favor of the hosts, but the rain, along with the performance from India, denied them victory.
India made a massive effort to avoid the follow-on at the Gabba
India made a huge effort to avoid the follow-on after the Australian National Cricket Team amassed a massive total of 445 runs. With the way they lost early wickets, it was almost certain that the Rohit Sharma-led side would be imposed further.
However, it was Akash Deep (30) and Jasprit Bumrah (10*) who came up with the massive 11th partnership that helped India avoid the follow-on. After that, the rain played a massive role and the match between the two teams ended in a tie, with the series tied at 1-1.
That celebration showed they knew the importance of that effort in the dressing room – Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri called for celebrations inside the Indian camp after the toss at the Gabba. He highlighted the celebrations in the Indian camp after the follow-on was averted, saying the management was aware of the importance of the effort. Speaking to the ICC, he explained:
“You should celebrate. It took a lot of character from the last pair with 35-36 runs needed. That celebration showed they knew the importance of that effort in the dressing room in the context of the series.”
He will lift the Indian team and for me the series is level now – Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri said the partnership between Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah reminded him of the partnership at Lord's between Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. He spoke about how this partnership was a game changer and helped India win the match.
Ravi Shastri was also of the opinion that a draw at the Gabba would lift the Indian team. He feels the series is wide open and the Rohit Sharma-led side could appeal. He elaborated:
“It reminded me of the celebration back in the days of COVID when Jasprit and Mohammed Shami were involved in a partnership at Lord's that turned the game upside down. England were favorites on the final day to win the Test.
“And that partnership, I think about 80 or 90, suddenly turned the game on its head and by the end of the day, India had won the Test match. It will lift the Indian team. And for me, the series is level now and India might just strike,” he said.
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