Here Are The Updated WTC 2023-25 Standings After Rain-hit AUS Vs IND Test At Gabba

The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 between India and Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane, ended in a rain-affected draw, leaving fans longing for a definitive result. While the match saw stellar individual performances, persistent weather interruptions impacted the flow of play and left both teams with mixed feelings about their standing in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle.

With the series tied 1-1, the five-match contest remains wide open, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion in the final two Tests.

Day 1: A Damp Start

India won the toss and elected to field under overcast skies, hoping to exploit the conditions. However, rain had other plans, allowing just 13.2 overs of play. Australia’s openers, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, cautiously guided their team to 28/0, navigating the challenging conditions before the rain called an early halt.

The limited action on the opening day set the tone for what would be a frustratingly weather-marred Test.

Day 2: Centuries Shine Amidst Overcast Skies

The second day belonged to Australia’s batting maestros, Steve Smith and Travis Head, who capitalized on the conditions to propel their team to a commanding position.

Steve Smith: Playing with characteristic elegance, Smith notched up a well-crafted 101, anchoring the innings and frustrating the Indian bowlers.
Travis Head: Displaying his aggressive flair, Head smashed a magnificent 152, dominating the Indian attack with boundaries all around the ground.

Australia’s strong batting performance saw them reach 405/7 by stumps, firmly in control despite intermittent rain delays.

Day 3: India Struggle After Bowling Resurgence

The Indian bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, came back strongly on Day 3, wrapping up Australia’s innings for 445. The bowlers’ persistence paid off as they took the remaining three wickets for just 40 runs.

However, India’s reply faltered under Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. At 51/4, the visitors found themselves in a precarious position, with top-order batters Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill back in the pavilion. Virat Kohli, despite a promising start, fell to a sharp delivery from Pat Cummins, leaving India in dire straits.

Day 4: Resilience Amid Rain Delays

Rain continued to disrupt play on the fourth day, but India showed resilience through their lower order.

Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep forged a gutsy last-wicket partnership, adding crucial runs to take India to 252/9 by stumps.
Bumrah’s unconventional batting approach, combined with Akash Deep’s determination, frustrated the Australian bowlers, delaying their push for a decisive lead.

Their efforts ensured India crossed the 250-run mark, reducing the deficit and keeping the match alive.

Day 5: Drama, Rain, and a Draw

India’s innings concluded at 260, giving Australia a 185-run lead. The hosts, keen to push for a result, declared their second innings at 89/7 after a rapid-fire batting display. The declaration set India a target of 275 runs in 54 overs, a challenging yet achievable ask on a Gabba pitch offering variable bounce.

India’s chase began cautiously, with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill taking the score to 8/0 in just 2.1 overs. However, dark clouds loomed, and rain soon forced players off the field. Despite attempts to resume, the weather had the final say, ending the match in a draw.

WTC 2023-25 Standings After The Gabba

The drawn result impacted the WTC standings, with both teams earning four points each.

Key Standings After the Draw:

South Africa: Retained their top position with a PCT (Percentage of Points) of 63.33. They have won six of their 10 matches in the cycle.
Australia: Remained second with a PCT of 58.89, dropping from 60.71 after the Gabba Test.
India: Held third place with a PCT of 55.88, reduced from 57.29.

Other teams in the standings include:

New Zealand (4th, PCT 48.21)
Sri Lanka (5th, PCT 45.45)
England (6th, PCT 43.18)
Pakistan (7th, PCT 33.33)
Bangladesh (8th, PCT 31.25)
West Indies (9th, PCT 24.24)

The close race among the top three teams – South Africa, Australia, and India – has heightened the stakes for the remaining matches in the WTC cycle.

Key Performances and Takeaways from The Gabba

1. Travis Head and Steve Smith’s Batting Masterclass

The Australian duo’s centuries were the cornerstone of the hosts’ first-innings total. Their contrasting styles – Head’s aggression and Smith’s patience – showcased Australia’s batting depth.

2. India’s Bowling Resilience

Despite the onslaught, India’s bowlers demonstrated their ability to bounce back, especially on Day 3. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep were particularly impressive, picking up key wickets and keeping the hosts in check.

3. Rain’s Relentless Role

The rain interruptions robbed both teams of valuable time, significantly impacting the game’s outcome. For India, the weather halted what could have been an intriguing chase, while Australia missed the chance to push for a win.

What’s Next: The Road Ahead

With the series tied at 1-1, the final two Tests will determine the winner of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. For India, the remaining matches are their last chance to improve their WTC standings in this cycle. Australia, too, will aim to secure victories to close the gap on South Africa.

Upcoming Tests Schedule:

Fourth Test: December 26-30, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Fifth Test: January 3-7, Sydney Cricket Ground

A Test of Patience and Skill

The third Test at The Gabba may have ended in a draw, but it underscored the competitive spirit of the India-Australia rivalry. From Travis Head’s powerful century to Mohammed Siraj’s fiery spells, and from resilient lower-order partnerships to rain-induced frustrations, the match had all the ingredients of a classic Test encounter.

As both teams gear up for the crucial final matches, cricket fans can expect the drama, skill, and passion that define the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Who will seize the advantage in Melbourne and Sydney? The answer awaits in what promises to be a gripping finale to an already enthralling series.

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