Rain Likely to Spoil Final Two Days of IND-AUS Brisbane Test
Brisbane [Australia], December 16: The Bureau of Meteorology of Australia has forecasted a 90% chance of rain for the final two days of the Brisbane Test between Australia and India, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. The forecast predicts rainfall of 5 to 30 mm on Tuesday and 2 to 25 mm on Wednesday.
Earlier today, rain interrupted play during the third session of Day 3 at The Gabba, with India trailing Australia’s total by a significant 394 runs. At stumps, India was struggling at 51/4, with KL Rahul (33*) and skipper Rohit Sharma (0*) unbeaten at the crease.
India resumed the third session at 48/4, with Rahul and Rohit holding on after scoring 30 (52) and 0 (1), respectively. However, rain washed out most of the session, allowing only three overs, during which India added just three runs.
In the second session, rain had briefly interrupted play before resumption saw Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul attempting to build momentum. Pant picked up runs from loose deliveries, but the partnership was short-lived as Australian skipper Pat Cummins dismissed Pant (9) with a beautifully pitched delivery that nicked the batter’s outside edge and landed safely in Alex Carey’s gloves.
Rahul, undeterred, played a stunning cover drive off Cummins and continued the fight with a four off Mitchell Starc. However, rain once again intervened, stalling India’s attempt to build a recovery.
Earlier in the first session of Day 3, Australia dominated proceedings despite rain interruptions. Jasprit Bumrah removed Mitchell Starc early, who had looked dangerous after a powerful slog-sweep six off Ravindra Jadeja. Bumrah forced an edge from Starc, sending the ball to Rishabh Pant for a crucial dismissal.
Mohammed Siraj then broke through Nathan Lyon’s defense, clean bowling him. Australia’s innings finally ended at 445 when Alex Carey mistimed a shot off Akash Deep.
In reply, India’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of Australia’s pace attack, led by Mitchell Starc. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for 1 after a brief boundary, handing an easy catch to Mitchell Marsh. Shubman Gill (1) and Virat Kohli (3) followed soon after, falling to Starc and Josh Hazlewood, respectively.
Brief Scores:
Australia 445 (Travis Head 152, Steven Smith 151; Jasprit Bumrah 6-76)
India 51/4 (KL Rahul 33; Mitchell Starc 2-25)*
Rain looms as a major factor heading into the final two days of the Test, threatening to disrupt the game further and possibly prevent a result.
