Australia's bold declaration at Gabba sets India target of 275

What will Australia do?

Will they force a result? Such was the start of the fifth day’s action at the Gabba on December 18. It was evident in their approach as the two openers put on ten runs in the first two overs. But from thereon, it was Jasprit Bumrah’s dominance, with two quick wickets throwing open a third possible result - an Indian win. 

Akash Deep continued to pick wickets as Australia slid to 28/4, questioning their approach on a day when the storm was just around the corner. But that’s where Travis Head continued his onslaught, with a 19-ball 17, a knock where he put two down to the boundary ropes. 

But at 60/6, it seemed like even India were clearly in the clash. Australia wanted to land all the punches, but after brilliantly dodging, India channelled their inner Muhammad Ali to punch back the Australians, putting them in a dilemma. 

Would Australia just settle for a draw? How costly would Australia’s decision be at the Gabba, a venue where they previously lost trying to dangle a carrot? 

When these questions were making the headlines, skipper Pat Cummins came out swinging with the very first delivery to affirm Australia’s approach: They were going for a result, not a draw. 

The next few minutes were total cinema. 

Balls were flying all over the park, bowlers were confused, and Cummins was taking absolute control of the clash. The all-rounder first took on Akash Deep for a four before avenging their unfinished business with a six over the cow corner. 

Cummins didn’t spare Siraj either, flat-batting it over the mid-on for a four before toeing one straight over Ravindra Jadeja’s reach for a six. It even stunned one of Australia’s greatest, Allan Border, by the quality of cricket bats in the modern era. 

But India brought back their ace card, Bumrah, to settle ties with Cummins when Australia pulled out the gun, declaring their third-lowest total in declarations with just 89 runs on the board. 

Dangling the carrot, setting a target of 275 with around 54 overs, who in their right mind would do something like that? Like Rohit Sharma did in Kanpur, Cummins one-upped the opponent with the approach. 

CRAZY MAN, CUMMINS! 

CRAZY SESSION. 

CRAZY SPORT.

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