The third Test match between Australia and India in Brisbane faced severe interruptions on the third day due to torrential rain. Here’s a detailed account of how the weather played a significant role in India’s survival.
Overview of the Third Test Day 3: A Rain-Interrupted Battle
The third Test match between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane was severely affected by rain, as the weather acted as India’s savior on the third day. A match that was already challenging for India became even more difficult due to persistent rain interruptions. With only 17 overs bowled on Day 3 and play being halted several times, India found themselves in a precarious position at the close of play, limping to 51/4.
KL Rahul, who had shown resilience, was the standout performer for India, standing firm on 33 not out by the end of the day’s play. However, India’s top-order collapse was concerning, with the visitors losing four crucial wickets by stumps. Skipper Rohit Sharma, who was yet to score, faced pressure as the rain continued to play havoc with the game.
Early Setbacks: India Struggles to Hold the Fort
India’s reply to Australia’s formidable total of 445 began poorly. After Australia had been bowled out earlier in the day, India’s batsmen were under intense pressure to avoid the follow-on. However, things started disastrously for the Indian team in the first session. India lost three early wickets to the Australian pacers, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, both of whom bowled with precision and skill.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli all fell victim to the Aussie bowlers. Jaiswal’s dismissal was particularly unfortunate as he edged Starc’s first delivery to gully, only to see the ball drop into the waiting hands of Mitchell Marsh at square leg.
KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma Weather the Storm
KL Rahul, who had been struck on the wrist earlier in the day by a sharp delivery from Hazlewood, managed to continue his innings. The injury appeared to have no significant long-term effect, as Rahul remained composed amidst the relentless rain interruptions. At the other end, Rohit Sharma was yet to get off the mark, a situation that reflected the difficult nature of the match.
Despite the interruptions and the overwhelming pressure, Rahul stood firm, managing to negotiate the tough conditions. By the end of the day, he remained unbeaten on 33, which was a significant achievement considering the challenging circumstances.
The Rain Breaks: A Blessing in Disguise for India
The relentless rain continued to disrupt play throughout the day, leaving both teams frustrated. As the players were forced off the field multiple times, it appeared that India might get a reprieve to regroup and mount a counterattack. With early lunch and tea being called due to rain, India’s batsmen were given some respite. The stoppages allowed them to settle their nerves and reassess the game, as the players were forced to take regular breaks.
However, every time play resumed, the situation was far from ideal for the Indian team. Australia’s pacers, Starc and Hazlewood, continued to test the Indian batsmen with tight lines and aggressive lengths.
Disastrous Middle Session: India Loses Rishabh Pant
The middle session of the day was also disrupted by rain, and when play resumed, India found themselves facing even more challenges. The weather provided the Indian team with small windows to stabilize their innings, but India’s efforts were quickly undone when Rishabh Pant was dismissed. Pant, who had been trying to support Rahul, was dismissed after he edged a delivery from Pat Cummins to Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
At that point, India’s score was 44/4, and it was evident that their top-order collapse was going to make it incredibly difficult for them to avoid a follow-on.
The Influence of Nathan Lyon and Travis Head
After yet another rain delay, the game resumed under increasingly difficult conditions, with bad light preventing any further action. Australian captain Pat Cummins turned to off-spinner Nathan Lyon and part-time bowler Travis Head to maintain pressure on the Indian batsmen. However, after just 2.5 overs, the umpires called an end to the day’s play, citing insufficient light.
Lyon and Head were likely tasked with slowing down the pace of the game, given the tight spot India found themselves in. Lyon’s experience was crucial, as he could have been a real threat on the dry Gabba pitch had play continued longer.
Australia’s Dominance and India’s Hopes for a Draw
The Test match appeared to be slipping out of India’s hands. The rain interruptions, although offering India a slight reprieve, could not hide the fact that Australia had completely dominated the proceedings. Australia’s second-day performance, with centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith, had already put India in a difficult position.
With the match heading into its final two days, India’s best hope appeared to be salvaging a draw, as rain was forecast to continue into the following days. The forecasted rain offered some hope to India, who now needed to avoid defeat at all costs to keep the series alive.
Australia’s Total and India’s Response
On Day 3, Australia resumed on 405/7, and their tailenders showed resilience, adding vital runs to push Australia’s total to 445. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey was the last man out after a gutsy knock of 70, ensuring that Australia had a solid total on the board.
India, on the other hand, now faced the challenge of not just avoiding the follow-on but also trying to hold out for a draw. At 51/4, with rain continuing to interfere with play, it seemed that India might struggle to avoid defeat, and they would have to rely heavily on Rahul’s grit and Sharma’s composure in the coming days.
Looking Ahead: India’s Challenge in Melbourne
Despite the rain disruptions, Australia’s performance in this Test has made it clear that they are in the driver’s seat. India’s chances of making a comeback seem slim, especially considering the batting collapse and Australia’s dominant position. However, with the series tied at 1-1 going into the fourth Test in Melbourne, India will be hoping that the weather and improved batting performances can help them secure a draw in Brisbane and keep their hopes alive in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What was the score at the end of Day 3 of the third Test between Australia and India?
- India was 51/4 at stumps on Day 3, with KL Rahul on 33* and Rohit Sharma yet to score.
- What was the reason for frequent stoppages during Day 3?
- The frequent stoppages were due to persistent rain and bad light, which disrupted play throughout the day.
- What is India’s target for avoiding the follow-on?
- India needs to reach 245 runs to avoid the follow-on.
- Who were the key Australian bowlers on Day 3?
- Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were the key bowlers who struck early, taking crucial wickets in India’s batting collapse.
- What are India’s chances of winning the Test after Day 3?
- With Australia’s dominant performance and India’s struggles, it seems unlikely that India will win the Test. Their best hope is to hold out for a draw.
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