Rain Halts Play, Offers India Respite in Third Test Against Australia
Brisbane’s erratic weather came to India’s aid on Day 3 of the third Test against Australia at the Gabba, with rain reducing play to just 17 overs. India, struggling at 51-4, were spared further damage as the Australians were repeatedly forced off the field due to downpours, leaving their bowling onslaught incomplete.
India began their innings chasing 245 to avoid the follow-on after earlier dismissing Australia for 445. However, their reply got off to a disastrous start, losing three wickets in the morning session to Australia’s pace duo Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Early Collapse for India
The innings began poorly as Yashasvi Jaiswal edged Starc’s first delivery for four through the gully but fell on the very next ball, chipping a straightforward catch to Mitchell Marsh at square leg. Moments later, Shubman Gill edged Starc to gully, where Marsh completed a spectacular diving catch to leave India at 6-2.
Virat Kohli’s stay at the crease was brief as he edged a full delivery from Hazlewood to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who claimed his second catch of the day. Kohli’s dismissal brought an early lunch due to rain, which seemed to briefly halt Australia’s momentum.
Mid-Innings Resistance Amid Weather Delays
Post-lunch, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant attempted to stabilize the innings amid further rain interruptions. Rahul, who showed resilience despite being struck on the wrist by a sharp Hazlewood delivery, remained unbeaten on 33 at stumps. Pant, however, fell just before tea, edging Pat Cummins to Carey for 16, leaving India in deeper trouble at 44-4.
Rain continued to play spoilsport, with multiple delays throughout the day. When play briefly resumed in the evening, poor light forced the umpires to restrict Australia to spin options Nathan Lyon and Travis Head. After just 2.5 overs, the umpires deemed conditions unplayable and called off the day’s play.
Australia’s Dominant Position
Australia resumed the day on 405-7 and added quick runs before being bowled out for 445. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey played a crucial role, scoring an aggressive 70, ensuring a strong total for the hosts. Steve Smith and Travis Head’s centuries on Day 2 had already placed Australia in control, leaving India with little realistic chance of winning the match.
India’s Hopes for a Draw
With more rain forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, India’s hopes now rest on salvaging a draw to keep the series level at 1-1 before heading to Melbourne. Their immediate goal remains avoiding the follow-on, requiring a significant partnership from KL Rahul and skipper Rohit Sharma, who is yet to get off the mark.
As weather continues to play a pivotal role, India’s fortunes hang in the balance, relying on both resilience and the elements to escape a precarious situation in Brisbane.
