Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades : Fantasy and Preview
December 22, 2024
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Brisbane’s Gabba, known for its iconic battles, was set to host another chapter of the storied rivalry between India and Australia. However, the first day of the third Test in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series was more about the weather than cricket.
On December 14, 2024, the day began with the overcast skies and a touch of humidity, setting the stage for what could have been a gripping encounter. Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl first, a move that was debated by former England skipper Michael Vaughan, who suggested it might have been a “good toss to lose” given the weather conditions. The pitch, with a tinge of grass, was expected to assist the pacer early on, but the anticipated drama was largely curtailed by persistent rain.
Only 13.2 overs could be bowled before the weather took over, with Australia managing to reach 28-0 in that brief spell. Usman Khwaja was unbeaten on 19, while Nathan McSweeney scored 4. The morning session didn’t offer much help to the Indian bowlers in terms of swing or seam movement, despite the conditions. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj tried to make inroads, but the Australian openers managed to stay intact.
The real story of the day, however, was the rain. It started as a drizzle, leading to a 20-minute halt in play, but soon escalated into a heavy downpour, causing the outfield to become a sea of puddles. The ground staff did their best, but the second and third sessions were completely washed out. By mid-afternoon, the umpires called of the day’s play, leaving fans, players, and officials frustrated.
This match was particularly anticipated not just for the cricketing contest but also for the historic context. The Gabba has been a fortress for Australia, but India had famously breached it in 2021, a memory that added a layer of intrigue to this encounter. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams were keen on establishing dominance, but nature had its own plans on Day 1.
The impact of this washout extends beyond just lost overs; with rain forecast for the remaining days, the match’s outcome might hinge more on the weather gods than on cricketing skills. The match officials have scheduled on early start for the remaining days, aiming to bowl 98 overs each day to compensate for the lost time, but even this adjustment might not guarantee a result if the rain persists.
While cricket took a backseat, the day was not without its moments. The Indian team’s decision to include Ravindra Jadeja in place of R Ashwin and Akash Deep instead of Harshit Rana showcased their strategic adjustments. On the Australian side, Josh Hazlewood replaced Scott Boland, indicating a tactical shift in their bowling attack. These selections, though, will only be tested if the weather allows for more play.
As the day drew to a close, the only certainties were the points shared due to the lack of paly, and the hope that the Gabba would offer more cricketing action in the coming days. For now, the series remains in suspense, with both teams and fans awaiting a clearer sky and a chance to see cricket take center stage once again.
Amir’s career began with a bang, making his international debut in June 2009 during the T20 World Cup, where he was instrumental in Pakistan’s championship win. His early years showcased him as a prodigious talent, taking 259 wickets in 147 international matches across all formats. His comeback after the spot-fixing ban was equally notable; he returned in 2016 and played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy victory, particularly remembered for his spell in the final against India where he dismissed key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan.
Just months after his return, Amir announced his retirement from international cricket once again on December 14, 2024. This decision came shortly after Pakistan’s exit from the T20 World Cup, where Amir picked up seven wickets in four matches. His statement upon retiring was poignant, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent Pakistan and his desire to see the next generation take the sport to new heights. He cited the difficulty of the decision but emphasized its inevitability, thanking the PCB, his family, friends and fans for their support over the years.
Amir’s career has been a mix of highs and lows. His skill on the field was undeniable, with a bowling average of 21.4 in T20Is and significant contributions in other formats. However his career was marred by the spot-fixing scandal, which not only led to a ban but also stained his reputation. His return was a testament to his resilience, but his re-retirement might signal an end to his international cricket journey, focusing perhaps on T20 leagues where he could continue to ply his trade.