BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — The rain once again played spoilsport on the third day of the cricket Test match between Australia and India, limiting play and leaving India struggling at 51-4 at the Gabba. Despite facing only 17 overs, Australia's pace attack showcased their skills, claiming four wickets and extending India's difficulties as they trailed by 394 runs after Australia reached 445 all out earlier on Monday.
The day began with Australia resuming their batting at 405-7, but the tail enders proved resilient. Alex Carey contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 70 runs off 88 balls before holing out, leaving Australia firmly positioned. Carey's innings was noted as his ninth Test half-century and solidified his role as a dependable lower-order batsman.
Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood swiftly set the tone for Australia's bowling attack. Starc, returning to form, struck early, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal for just 4 runs and Shubman Gill for 1, both within his first two overs. Hazlewood followed suit, claiming the prized wicket of Virat Kohli for 3 runs before the rain interrupted play. Starc's exceptional bowling brought back memories of his impactful performances, showcasing his ability to rattle top-order batsmen.
Following Kohli's dismissal, Rishabh Pant faced similar troubles, edging a delivery from skipper Pat Cummins to Carey behind the stumps, marking his exit and adding to the mounting pressure on the Indian side. At lunch, India found themselves reeling at 22-3, with captain Rohit Sharma yet to score. Rain continued to be the recurring theme of the day, halting the match at multiple intervals.
Play resumed after the wet weather subsided, but the Australians could manage only 17 more balls, amassing just three runs before another downpour punctuated the day. The weather forecast hinted at continued rain, making the prospect of reaching any definitive result uncertain, with only two days remaining for play.
"We’ve got six wickets to take first," said Mitch Marsh, acknowledging the challenge of bowling India out and discussing the need for focus and strategy as they pursue victory. With 98 overs scheduled for the remaining days and more rain expected, both teams will be under pressure to secure either runs or wickets quickly.
For India, the pressure to respond was palpable. After winning the first Test considerably and Australia bouncing back with victory in the second, this third Test had become increasingly significant for both teams. A win for the Australians would place them one match up, putting them on the pathway to clinching the series.
While the conditions played havoc, the intensity of the contest was palpable. Earlier on Sunday, Travis Head spearheaded Australia's batting assault with 152 runs, ably supported by Steven Smith with 101, forming a formidable partnership of 241 runs to propel Australia from 75-3 to 405-7 by the end of the second day.
The rain on the opening day hindered play significantly, allowing for only 13.2 overs. That day India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, won the toss and elected to bowl on what appeared to be a green-tinged pitch conducive for seam bowling.
Despite the early setbacks, India's bowling unit did showcase prowess. Jasprit Bumrah delivered yet again, claiming 6 wickets for 76 runs to maintain his reputation as India's strike bowler. Bumrah acknowledged the challenges but urged faith in the team dynamics. "We are a new team… and we have to look at it as they will learn from the experience," Bumrah said, reinforcing the team’s spirit amid adversity.
On the field, the focus heightened on the batting technique from both sides, especially with Kohli's worrying form. At the moment, he has only managed to score single digits across most of the innings this summer, raising questions about his picky approach against deliveries he usually leaves alone. Former players and commentators have noted this frustration, highlighting the mental state of players amid the pressures of Test cricket.
Day three could be termed sporadic at best, with additional rain predicted, leaving the outcome every bit uncertain. If results continue to elude due to conditions, the cricketers from both teams may also dwell on historical performances when they have taken 20 wickets within two days. They will strive to create moments of brilliance when the skies clear, hopefully prioritizing the contest over Mother Nature’s whims.
With the series tied at 1-1, every moment counts, and both teams are acutely aware of their positions. The Australians need to exploit their conditions as much as they can, whereas India aims to regroup and stabilize their innings to launch any counter attacks.
Looking forward, the Australian team’s next move hinges on their ability to take wickets quickly and maintain pressure on their rivals, making every ball count as players anticipate the skies to hold off for the next rounds of play.
