Australia took control of the third Test against India on Day Three at The Gabba amid frustrating rain interruptions, with the visitors collapsing to 51 for 4 by the time play finished. With the weather forecast predicting more rain for the remaining days, India's chances of salvaging the match appear slim.
After Australia were bowled out for 445 earlier in the day, their opening bowlers struck early, with Mitchell Starc making immediate impacts by dismissing two key Indian batsmen. The first came with the second ball of the innings when Yashasvi Jaiswal edged to Mitchell Marsh, who completed the catch confidently. Starc quickly followed up by catching Shubman Gill with another elegant catch, this time off his own bowling, as India's top order faltered.
Josh Hazlewood then joined the attack, eliminating cricketing star Virat Kohli, who was caught behind for just 3 runs—a continuation of Kohli's recent struggles during the series. The rain interruptions allowed Australia’s captain Pat Cummins to bowl only briefly, but when he returned after the downpours, he dismissed Rishabh Pant, who managed to score only 9 runs.
Despite the dismal scores from the Indian batsmen—each of whom found it challenging to settle at the crease—KL Rahul remained steadfast, ending the day not out on 33 runs. He showed resilience, even as the rest of the top order crumbled around him. Play was halted several times due to rain, with only 33.1 overs delivered throughout the day, yet Rahul's efforts stood out as he adapted to both the pitch conditions and the pressure from the Australian bowlers.
Australia, who began Day Three at 405 for 7, added another 40 runs through wicketkeeper Alex Carey’s commendable contribution of 70. Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian bowling attack with impressive figures of 6 for 76, each of his six wickets proving pivotal, including Starc as the final wicket of Australia's innings.
Despite these individual performances, India’s situation looks precarious. The forecast indicates significant rain for the final two days, contributing to the uncertainty surrounding the resumption of play. If Australia can bowl India out for 245 runs or less, they will enforce the follow-on, which poses significant risk for the Indian batsmen.
Day Three has presented numerous challenges not only with the rain delays but also with tactical decisions for coaches and captains. Cummins finds himself calculating how many runs India needs to score to avoid another batting innings, as his bowlers continue to put pressure on India's fragile lineup. On the other side, India’s skipper Rohit Sharma must steer his team through this rough patch and keep their spirits up, even as play has often halted, impacting their concentration and rhythm.
Commentary during the day highlighted the fact it hasn’t been ideal conditions for batting. Cricket analysts, including former players, have commented on the mental obstacles players face during such stop-start sessions and how it impacts performance and strategy."The old parlance of not having enough time to make the runs, but having plenty to lose the wickets seems particularly apt,” says one analyst.
Australian bowlers have seized the opportunity to dominate from the outset. "Pat Cummins’ increasing dominance against Rishabh Pant could be key for Australia. Having dismissed him across all three Tests at minimal runs, remaining mentally strong against this pressure will be integral for India,” the analyst added.
With games being defined by even the smallest moments, Australia's wait on the weather will dictate whether they can capitalize on their strong position. They have the breathing room to attack—knowing the conditions play to their strengths. With the series currently level at 1-1, the urgency to take the lead has heightened the tension surrounding the match.
Much hinges on the forthcoming days as India combat their batting deficiencies under uncertain conditions. "It’s pouring now," local viewers express dissatisfaction as the rain continues. How India's players respond to these misconducts will shape the game's outcome, as the conditions complicate their strategies moving forward.
