Brisbane: Australia vs India: Day three of the Gabba Test between India and Australia was heavily impacted by frequent rain, resulting in only 33.1 overs being bowled.
The weather in Brisbane was highly unpredictable, with consistent showers causing as many as eight interruptions in play.
Despite the disruptions, Australia tightened their grip on the match, pushing for a 2-1 lead in the series.
Australia resumed their innings at 405 for 7 and added 40 runs to reach a total of 445.
Jasprit Bumrah continued his excellent form, claiming six wickets, including Pat Cummins, and marking his 50th Test wicket in Australia.
However, brief spells of rain before and during the 17.1 overs in the morning session delayed Australia’s scoring momentum.
Brisbane weather contributed significantly to the stop-start nature of play, making it challenging for both teams.
India’s reply got off to a poor start, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood capitalizing on the favorable Gabba pitch, aided by the moisture from the rainy conditions.
Starc dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill early, while Hazlewood accounted for Virat Kohli, who fell to his recurring vulnerability outside the off stump.
Kohli’s dismissal brought lunch forward due to another rain delay.
The intermittent play not only hindered Australia’s momentum but also disrupted India’s batters, who had to readjust multiple times during the day.
Gabba’s weather added an extra layer of difficulty, as the rain made the pitch livelier, allowing the Australian bowlers to extract seam movement and bounce.
Cummins exploited these conditions to dismiss Rishabh Pant, forcing an edge with a delivery that swung away late.
KL Rahul showed some resistance, crafting a composed 33 off 64 balls with several elegant cover drives.
At stumps, India were 51 for 4, trailing by 394 runs, with Rahul and Rohit Sharma, yet to score, at the crease.
The weather forecast for Brisbane suggests more rain on days four and five, which could play a decisive role in the match outcome.
India’s immediate goal will be to avoid the follow-on by reaching 246 runs, while Australia will look to maximize any opportunities the weather permits to push for a victory.
