Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Steve Smith’s Dropped Catch Proves Costly as India Secures Vital Draw in Brisbane

The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia ended in a draw at Brisbane, leaving the series tantalizingly poised at 1-1 with two matches remaining. KL Rahul’s gritty innings of 84 in India’s first innings played a key role in helping the visitors avoid defeat.

Australia had a golden opportunity to dismiss Rahul early when Pat Cummins induced an edge on the first ball of his spell while Rahul was on 33. However, Steve Smith dropped a straightforward catch at slip, a mistake that proved costly. Rahul went on to score 84 runs and batted for over 100 deliveries, frustrating the Australian bowlers and keeping India in the contest.

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar didn’t hold back in his critique. He remarked:

Steve, you dropped the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia had a chance to dismiss India early but the dropped catch was costly.

Referring to the significance of the missed chance, Australian great Matthew Hayden echoed similar sentiments, stated:

It was a costly mistake and KL Rahul not only added runs but also played around 100 deliveries. It was an easy chance but Smith made a mess out of it.

Australia posted a commanding 445 in their first innings, with Travis Head and Steve Smith leading the charge. In response, India managed 260, trailing by 185 runs. Pat Cummins’ side declared their second innings at 89/7, setting a target of 275. However, persistent rain limited India to 8/0, forcing the game to end without a result.

The series now moves to the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, where both teams will aim for a decisive lead.