Australia has taken control of the third Test against India at the Gabba, leaving the visitors struggling on the morning of day four. After rain interrupted play throughout day three, India labored to 4-51 at the close of play, chasing Australia’s imposing first innings total of 445 runs.
Mitchell Starc led the Australian bowling attack, achieving figures of 2-25 and playing a pivotal role through both wickets and athletic fielding. Starc dismissed both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill early, with fans and commentators alike applauding his performance.
After Australia secured their innings total, Alex Carey emerged as the backbone of the batting lineup, scoring 70 runs as part of the team’s significant score. The narrative took shape as the Test advanced with intermittent rain delays, similar to the unpredictable weather conditions witnessed at the Gabba.
Starc struck first, having Jaiswal caught for just four runs. The opener’s dismissal was met with disappointment by cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, who lamented, “That is not the best of shots you’d expect from your opening bat” as the Indian upper order found itself disintegrated.
Starc’s second breakthrough followed quickly, as he induced Gill to edge the ball to Mitchell Marsh at gully. Marsh’s catch was deemed one of the highlights of the day, buoying team spirits. The enthusiasm showed just how much the Australian players relied on each other both on and off the field.
Hazlewood later victimized Indian star Virat Kohli, who has been struggling with form as of late, when he was caught behind the stumps for just three runs. Kohli’s inconsistency with the bat continues to haunt the Indian camp, as he has only exceeded ten runs on one occasion across his previous eight innings.
Despite heavy rain causing frustrating interruptions and limiting play to brief bursts, the Australian bowlers maintained their momentum. Starc kept pressing for edges with the new ball, and he expertly stopped boundaries with remarkable fielding efforts.
The conversation within the Australian team constantly revolved around achieving victory – something Mitch Marsh brought up during post-match discussions. “We’ve got six wickets to take first,” he emphasized. “All our conversations and planning will be how do we do just this.”
With only minimal time remaining for the match, Australia seeks to maintain pressure on its opponents. With India needing to chase down 445 runs, their position looks increasingly bleak as the likelihood of rain threatens to wash out the final days as well. Rain predictions create uncertainty for the visiting team, who desperately need time to mount any sort of significant resistance.
Bumrah, who delivered outstanding bowling with figures of 6-76, remains realistic. “We are going through a transition,” he said. “A lot of new players have come, and we have to learn from the experience.” Bumrah’s acknowledgment of the team’s challenges reflects their current state, aimed toward regrouping for future matches rather than succumb to despair during this one.
Even as the rain looms, hope remains for India as they reflect on past experiences. They have proven capable of making comebacks, but the team will have to dig deep to initiate any form of recovery. So far, their efforts have been hindered by relentless Australian pressure and unfortunate weather. The resilience of the Indian squad will be put to the test as they fight to stay alive and offer any form of resistance against the might of the Australian bowling line-up.
With the series locked at 1-1, India's performance will be under constant scrutiny over the next two days, especially considering they need to avoid defeat to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Play remains contingent on the fickle Queensland weather, prompting fans to wonder whether the rain will dictate the outcome of this Test match, just as it has historically.
All eyes will be on the Gabba as India's batsmen face up to Mitchell Starc and the Australian attack again, hoping to turn the tide and salvage this Test or risk going to Melbourne facing the pressure of defeat.
The dominance exhibited by Australia serves to remind cricket fans of the intensity and unpredictability of Test cricket, emphasizing how the game can shift dramatically within the confines of mere overs and the unpredictable whims of Mother Nature.
