Brisbane’s third Test has offered more drama than anyone expected, not least because of the weather disruptions. On Day 3, the Indian cricket team found themselves fighting against both the relentless Australian bowling attack and the rain, leaving them at 51/4 as the day came to a close.
Australia had set the stage with a formidable first-innings total of 445, bolstered by significant contributions from Steve Smith and Travis Head, who both scored hundreds the previous day. Their innings was punctuated by contributions from Alex Carey, who added 70 runs off just 88 balls, playing aggressively yet effectively against the Indian pace battery. With Australia leading by 394 runs, the pressure was piled onto the Indian batters, who needed to show resilience following their previous innings struggles.
The Indian response started poorly as Mitchell Starc struck twice early on, including removing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal on just the second delivery of the innings. Starc's devastating spell included dismissing Shubman Gill shortly after, leaving India reeling at 22 for three. Joshua Hazlewood joined the party, snaring Virat Kohli for just three runs, marking the fifth time this series Kohli has fallen to him.
What’s particularly troubling for the Indian side is the pattern of Kohli’s dismissals. Test cricket fans have observed for years now how Kohli often chases deliveries outside off-stump, and this tendency has proved costly once again. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted the need for Kohli to adjust his approach, recommending he rethink his strategy against tough deliveries.
By stumps, only KL Rahul was able to provide any semblance of resistance with his 33 runs, batting alongside captain Rohit Sharma, with hopes of salvaging the innings the following day. India’s situation became even more precarious when Rishabh Pant went for just nine runs, falling prey to Pat Cummins' delivery.
The match was punctuated by rain interruptions, with players leaving the field on several occasions throughout the day. Notably, on one occasion, Jaiswal inadvertently hit a ball toward the Australian huddle just before his innings, offering a light moment amid the tension. Nevertheless, the rain delays did little to help India as they ended the day at 51/4, knowing the situation grew increasingly precarious.
With inclement weather predicted for the upcoming days, India faces both the looming prospect of another defeat and the potential of rain saving its hopes. The forecast suggests heavy rain might intervene, leaving cricket fans glancing quickly at the weather report alongside the match scoreboards. But will the rain be their savior, or just prolong the inevitable?
Speaking post-match, Marsh remarked, “We’ve got six wickets to take first. We know we’ve got to take 20 wickets to try and win this Test match.” His comment highlights the significance of the position Australia finds itself and their ambition to capitalize on Indian errors.
The Indian team's woes echo throughout, raising questions about their tactics and adaptability against strong fast bowling—a consistent concern as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy continues. With so much at stake, the Indian side must rally on Day 4 or hope nature will intervene decisively. Fans will be watching closely, but the stark reality stands: India’s batting lineup must find its footing or risk letting the series slip away.
