The 3rd Test match between two highly competitive teams was held at the Sydney Cricket Ground from 7th – 11th January 2021. The first test after entering the new decade was expected to be a great one as Australia was looking for a win after a loss in Melbourne whereas India was preparing to take the series 2-1.
It was not just a usual Test match scenario as a lot of intent was seen on the field from both the teams. The first innings for Australia witnessed a great comeback knock from Steve Smith 131 (226) and another beautiful knock by Labuschagne 91 (196) which had Indian bowlers in pressure situation. The partnership was difficult to break which talked about nothing but business. Debutant Will Pucovski scored a strong 62 (110). The intent from the batting unit was clear and India had to do a lot of work to pick up wickets. However, Indian bowlers made sure no one stayed long on the crease. A small cameo by M. Starc 24 (30) did give a momentum to the team but soon it was taken away as the Indian bowling unit had different plans for them. A brilliant run-out (of Steve Smith) by Jadeja (18-3-62-4) helped India to restrict them at 338.
The first Innings for India started on a good note as Rohit Sharma was batting for the first time as an opener in overseas Test match. Rohit [ 26/77] along with Shubman [50/101] who was playing his 2nd Test match, built the highest opening partnership in the series for India. A beautiful batting execution but it did not last long enough to take India closer to the target. Soon both the batsmen were dismissed and it was time for the batting unit to pad up and perform. Pujara [50/176], Pant [36/67] and Jadeja [28*/37] along with a small contribution from the Captain Rahane [22/70] helped India reach closer to the target and give as small a lead as possible. However, it was nothing less than an aching day for India as Pant and Jadeja both, were injured. Pant experienced a blow on the elbow and Jadeja had a dislocated thumb. They tried their best to keep the game alive but injuries proved to have restricted their rhythm. A few silly run-outs costed India. A brilliant and an exceptional bowling performance Pat Cummins (21.4-10-29-4) helped them restrict India to just 244 and take a good 94 run lead.
In the 2nd innings of Australia’s batting, India walked out with a sub keeper Saha and a bowler short as Pant and Jadeja were under medical attention. It was a huge blow for India and Australia took the opportunity to put up a high score. It was all getting intense as Australia was in with the intent to hit big and put as many runs on the board as possible. It was no surprise for any of the fans that Smith (81/187) and Labuschagne (73/118)would be attacking the bowling unit in the second innings. Cameron green announced his presence on the field with a beautiful 84 in 132 ball and Tim Paine(39*) had also stepped up to the occasion. They declared at 312-6 with the lead of 406 runs.
In the 2nd Innings of India’s batting, it was nothing less than a test for the players. With the injury scare looming over the team and chasing 406 was a difficult situation to be in. With Pant and Jadeja being injured, India was walking on fire with head held high. Openers Rohit (52) and Shubman (31) gave a good start to the team and set the tone for the other batsmen. However, they had to depart early in the chase and Pujara and Rahane had to hold the fort for the day.
Even a wounded lion stands strong when needed: The Day 5 story of Team India
It was 5th day of the test. The decider and three results were possible: Win/Loss/Draw. Everyone was hooked to the screen from ball one at 4:30 am IST. Rahane’s (4) early wicket made everyone’s heart skip a beat. It seemed difficult as Pujara and Vihari both are known to play the game on defense and chasing more than 300 runs seemed impossible. Then the twist of the game happened. Pant was sent up the order and it raised many eyebrows. But little did everyone know that he was in to make it count. Walking in with an injury and lot of painkillers, he changed the fate for the team. An early wicket boosted the morale of the Australian squad but it took one Rishabh Pant to put the pressure back on the squad. He played a brilliant attacking knock of 97 runs and kept the hope alive. A little short of milestone but a strong innings on day 5. It was now all on Pujara to hold one side of the fort and Vihari to pull things up. Pujara (77 in 205) had to walk back to the room soon after Pant. Vihari and Ashwin were on the field. Jadeja, despite a broken thumb was padded up to play for the team and lead to a win/draw. Soon India experience another blow as Vihari pulled his hamstring. Everyone was on the edge as both Ashwin (39*) and Vihari (23*) were playing with injuries and with everything that was happening on the field, they batted for more than 250 balls to end the game in a Draw.
Each ball bowled, made the fans hooked to the screen. Yes it was a Test match but was nothing less than a thriller. Australian bowling unit did everything they could, bowled their best bowls and gave everything they had. But as they say, its not over till its the last ball of the game. Both the batsmen stood their ground, took some reviews here and there and saved the test. It was difficult to see them bat despite the pain and taking painkillers every now and then. The pressure was real. Every player on the field felt it, every fan witnessed it, and it was nothing less than a Historic Draw. The team’s grit, passion and resilience was appreciated by the greats of the game. Even while writing this, I relive the game in my head and have goosebumps on how the day was. Every Indian Cricket team fan was dancing with joy and it was nothing less than a roller coaster of emotions on day 5!
The match ended in a Draw.
Scores at glanceย :Australia won the toss and opted to bat first.
Day 1 (07-01-2021) : End of session 1ย 
21-1 | End of session 2 93-1 | End of session 3 (Stumps) 166-2
Day 2 (08-01-2021) : End of session 1ย 249-5 | End of session 2 338-10 
26-0 | End of session 3 (Stumps) ย 96-2 (Trail by 242runs)
Day 3 (09-01-2021): End of session 1 180-4 | End of session 2 244-10 | End of session 3 (Stumps) 103-2 (Lead by 197 runs)
Day 4 (10-01-2021) : End of session 1ย 182-4 (Lead by 276 runs) | End of session 2 312-6 d (Lead by 406 runs)ย | End of session 3 (Stumps) ย 98-2 (Need 309 to win)
Day 5 (11-01-2021) : End of session 1 206-3 | End of session 2 280-5 | End of session 3 334-5
Urvi Shah (Author, Beyond the Matches)