India, Australia Secure Series Stalemate as Third Test Ends in Draw

The third Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground ended in a draw, due to inclement weather, leaving the series level at 1-1 ahead of the final Test in Sydney.

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah stole the spotlight on the final day with figures of 4-56 off 24 overs, but the Australian middle order showed remarkable resilience, forcing the match to be shorn of a result. A gritty Marnus Labuschagne top-scored for Australia with a fighting 70 runs, while Mitchell Starc underlined his struggles against the Indian attack, departing for a duck after being run out. Labuschagne's innings, combined with his teammates' determined displays, ensured that Australia eventually reached a score of 228-9, securing a lead of 333 runs.

In contrast, India's innings had started on a positive note, with debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy contributing a splendid 114, helping India post a total of 369 in the first innings. Reddy's notable contribution has raised eyebrows, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in the remainder of the series. While the match may have been overshadowed by adverse weather, the Indian team will take solace in their spirited performance and the potential that Reddy has showcased.

As the series shifts to Sydney for the final encounter, one cannot help but look back at the attendance numbers from the fifth Test, which has left an indelible mark on the annals of Australian cricket. The Melbourne Cricket Ground witnessed an incredible record attendance of 373,691 spectators, eclipsing the 1937 record of 350,534. The sheer magnitude of this achievement underscores the enduring appeal of Test cricket in Australia, and the excitement is palpable as the series concludes in Sydney.