Notably, several Star Wars fanatics, known as Stormtroopers, attended the third Test at the storied Gabba. Dressed as the famous army characters from the classic film series, “Gabbatroopers” signalled their arrival with their joyous gallantry. For those who haven’t seen it, these individuals aren’t real troops from the parallel universe, and they haven’t encountered any adversaries to battle, unlike the classic Hollywood film from the past.
On Day 2 in Brisbane, the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024–25) between Australia (AUS) and India (IND) is in full swing as the teams compete with the bat and the ball. Despite some amusing cricket from Travis Head (152 runs) and a stunning recovery from Steve Smith (101 runs), the game took some unexpected turns when the supporters devised a competition including fancy dress.
To be exact, the International Cricket Council (ICC) shared some pictures of Star Wars fans with the well-known villain Darth Vader the other day. The crowd’s attitude and the game itself have undoubtedly changed as a result of the aggressive jeering directed at Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj.
Although the Stormtroopers and cricket have no obvious historical ties, these supporters have flocked to the Ashes matches between Australia and their bitter rivals, England.
Check out the viral moment of fans dressed as Star Wars characters here:
Hope there are no members of the rebellion at the Gabba? @DarthVader is here this morning with his Storm Troopers (Gabbatroopers) and seeking vengeance on Day 2 of the #AUSvIND Test.
Part of the fun on @abcsport this morning during @QuentinHull & @dirk_nannes opening stint pic.twitter.com/GnLWosQY2c
— Zane Bojack (@zanofc) January 16, 2021
The Gabba troopers are in the house for the Third Test💪@FOURNTWENTY #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/aD3VNvbGaF
— SEN Cricket (@SEN_Cricket) December 14, 2024
Bumrah claims another fifer as Head-Smith put up a 200-run stand.
Speaking of the third Test, Australia is currently leading after losing Day 1 with very little cricket played. Travis Head hit yet another century as he continued to bat at his highest level against India. Curiously, this also put an end to his run drought at the Gabba. Conversely, Steve Smith also got a century to end his lean patch. The Australians put up a spirited fight after dropping the opening two, but the visitors won with the second new ball.
Head set up a 241-run stand with Smith. Surprisingly, the captain of India chose to field first on a pitch that was conducive to batting. When it came to Australia, Sharma was eager to take advantage of the cloud cover. In addition, Jasprit Bumrah took another five wickets in the BGT 2024-25 Test series after dismissing Smith. With captain Pat Cummins and Alex Carey occupying the crease, Australia is currently 347/6 after 90.1 overs.
India
