India and Australia played out a rain-affected draw in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba, Brisbane. India, despite being on the back foot for much of the game, managed to avoid defeat, thanks largely to persistent rain that disrupted play throughout the match. The game was abandoned after just 2.1 overs of India’s second innings, with the hosts setting a challenging target of 275. India was 8/0 when the match ended prematurely due to bad light and heavy rain.

Ravichandran Ashwin retires from international cricket..

The match also marked the end of an era for Indian cricket as Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket. The 38-year-old off-spinner, one of India’s finest match-winners, made the announcement after the game, citing his desire to continue playing at the club level. Ashwin, who took 537 wickets in 106 Tests at an average of 24, is second only to Anil Kumble on India’s all-time Test wicket-takers list.

Ashwin’s decision comes after a period of limited opportunities in the ongoing series, with team management opting for younger options like Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja. Speaking about his retirement, Ashwin described the moment as emotional but necessary, adding that it was a decision made after discussions with the team management.

India captain Rohit Sharma lauded Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket, calling him one of the greatest match-winners the country has ever produced. Rohit revealed that Ashwin had been contemplating retirement since the Perth Test and had stayed on for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide after discussions with the management.

Ashwin will return home on Thursday, leaving behind a legacy that has defined modern Indian spin bowling.