The highly anticipated third Test match between India and Australia commenced on December 14, 2024, at the Gabba, Brisbane, with both teams vying for dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, which is currently tied at 1-1. Australia opted to bat first, getting off to a cautious start with 28 runs without loss before rain interruptions forced the players off the field.
Openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney opened the batting for Australia, with Khawaja finding his footing early, scoring 19 runs off 47 balls, including three boundaries. McSweeney, on the other hand, was more reserved, managing just 4 runs off 33 balls as he settled at the crease, finding the conditions challenging.
The opening day’s play was riddled with interruptions caused by rainfall. Despite the match's anticipation, only 13.2 overs were bowled. Throughout the day, fans experienced frustrating weather patterns—from drizzle to downpours, the rain teased spectators hoping to catch the action live. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, won the toss and chose to field, reflecting the team’s strategy to take advantage of the conditions.
India made two changes to their lineup, introducing Ravindra Jadeja and Akash Deep, who replaced R. Ashwin and Harshit Rana. Jasprit Bumrah opened the bowling and started strong, commanding attention with tight lines. Mohammed Siraj, initially less effective, adjusted as he settled down, and Akash Deep showed promise, creating chances for the Indian side.
Fans were engaged and hopeful as Khawaja elegantly flicked and pulled Bumrah’s deliveries, finding boundaries and maintaining his team’s momentum. Each run seemed to elicit cheers from the crowd, punctuated by occasional boos directed at the Indian bowlers as they sought to change the game’s course. But with every brief glimmer of sunshine, black clouds rolled back ominously, leading to more rain delays.
With the day progressing, crowds buzzed with anticipation, amused by the antics of the weather as the players leaned back on their benches during the breaks. Virat Kohli was seen conversing animatedly with his teammates, seeking to instill some energy after their relentless rain-soaked wait.
Midway through the day, as rain poured down, play was halted for lunch, leaving fans to huddle under roofs, hoping the sun would prevail. Commentary legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, Allan Border, and Ian Botham kept interacting with the commentary team as they awaited updates. With the match suspended, Rohit Sharma was seen munching on bananas, steeling himself for the challenges of the next session.
At 4:06 p.m. local time, umpires Richard Illingworth and Richard Kettleborough met with the grounds staff, and play was called off for the remainder of the day at 4:14 p.m., leading to discussions about how they could resume on the following day. The fans left the stadium yearning for more action after just showing glimpses of what could have been. The second day is set to start half an hour earlier to accommodate the rain-affected schedule, beginning at 9:50 a.m. local time (5:20 IST), weather permitting.
Before the day's play was suspended, Australia’s score stood at 28 for no loss, with Khawaja unbeaten on 19 runs and McSweeney four not out. Indian bowlers had been effective, with figures indicating the low-scoring stance the match had taken up to the point of rain. Bumrah bowled six overs for 8 runs without taking any wickets, Siraj completed four overs conceding 13 runs without success, and Deep, bowling 3.2 overs, allowed just 2 runs but also went wicketless.
The match is set to continue amid anticipation from fans and players alike, with many hoping the rain clouds would recede, allowing for uninterrupted cricketing action and the opportunity for either team to seize the advantage as they head for victory. The Gabba, known for its lively atmosphere and historic encounters, once again promises to deliver excitement amid the fresh challenges this series presents.
