Cricket Australia (CA) has brought a big smile to fans’ faces during the Gabba Test match. After rain washed out play on the first day of the third Test, CA announced that all 30,145 fans present at the stadium will receive a full refund since less than 15 overs of play were completed. Because of continuous rain, just 13.2 overs were completed on the opening day at the Gabba.
Cricket Australia’s Heartwarming Decision for Fans
The excitement of the first day of the third Test between India and Australia was short-lived as rain played spoilsport. Fans who had come to enjoy the game at the stadium were left disappointed as the match had to be abandoned after just 80 balls. However, Cricket Australia’s recent announcement has brought relief to the disheartened fans.
Cricket Australia declared that fans would get a full refund for their tickets under a policy that guarantees a refund if less than 15 overs are bowled in a day. Interestingly, had just 10 more balls been bowled, CA wouldn’t have been obligated to refund over a million Australian dollars. Nonetheless, the governing body confirmed that the refund process will benefit all 30,145 attendees, as only 13.2 overs were completed. CA also assured fans that the financial loss caused by the weather is covered by insurance.
Just 80 Balls Bowled on Day 1
Before the game was called off due to rain, Australia managed to score 28 runs without losing a wicket in 13.2 overs. Usman Khawaja remained unbeaten on 19, while Nathan McSweeney scored 4 not out. The BCCI updated fans, stating, “Play has been abandoned today due to rain. The game will resume at 9:50 AM (local time) on Sunday, with at least 98 overs to be bowled each day.”
India Opts to Bowl First in Cloudy Conditions
Earlier in the day, India won the toss and elected to bowl first under overcast conditions. Ravindra Jadeja and Akash Deep were included in the playing XI, replacing R. Ashwin and Harshit Rana. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj tried hard to find the right line and length, but the pitch offered no seam movement.
Rain first interrupted the match after 5.3 overs, forcing players off the field for about 30 minutes. After the break, Indian bowlers shifted to fuller lengths and got some movement, but Khawaja and McSweeney played with composure. A second spell of rain led to an early lunch, and ultimately, the entire day’s play was abandoned.
Fans may have returned home disappointed by the rain, but Cricket Australia’s full refund policy has turned the day around for many, highlighting their commitment to ensuring a positive experience for cricket lovers.
