IND vs AUS: Day 1 Washed Off Due To Rain, 0 Wickets After 13.2 Overs For Australia

IND vs AUS: The highly-awaited third Test of the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia started at the Gabba Stadium in Brisbane today, but the rain made its presence felt, forcing a total washout for the first day’s play. Only 13.2 overs could be possible, and during this short period, Australia managed to put up 28/0 without losing a single wicket.

Early Start and Weather Interuptions on Day 1 IND vs AUS

India won the toss and elected to bowl first. One would assume this decision is taken with a fair prospect of overcast conditions, plus one would expect the new ball would swing on the first morning, and Rohit Sharma chose not to rely much on that condition. He, instead, has expressed confidence in his pacers, but it seems things soon turned in favor of Australia.

The game started well, but the rain soon interrupted proceedings. The briefest of intervals had elapsed when play resumed, but the wet weather returned shortly after, and play was again halted before the first session could be completed. By early afternoon, the rain persisted, and the umpires called for an extended lunch break. Unfortunately, no further action was possible in the afternoon or evening sessions, and the day’s play was officially called off.

Australia’s openers, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, faced off against just 13.2 overs, scoring 28 runs without losing a wicket. Khawaja was unbeaten on 19, while McSweeney stood on 4. Despite the brief window of play, India’s bowlers couldn’t capitalize on the favorable conditions, with no wickets taken.

IND vs AUS Preparations for the Brisbane Test

Both teams were looking to play the entire day with the third Test being really crucial for the series in question. The series is now square at 1-1 as India went on to win the first Test in Perth by an innings of 195 runs but Australia leveled the series with a fighting victory in the second Test in Delhi. So, this is really the last part of the battle, and any session now will be all-important for both teams.

The Gabba has always been a fortress for Australia, but the host side has a good record there. However, when India came to this very venue and emerged victorious during their last visit in 2021, the visiting team had all the more reason to repeat that victory at this venue in this series. A complete washout on the first day has only added suspense as both teams are ready to get on top of things the moment the conditions become suitable.

Changes in the Playing XI

Both teams have changed their playing XI ahead of this Test. Australia has changed one member, Josh Hazlewood, who replaces Scott Boland from the playing XI to strengthen their fast bowling attack.

India, on the other hand, did two important things. Ravichandran Ashwin, who had failed in the previous Test in Adelaide, was left out in favor of the all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja will give balance to India’s batting line-up by providing the option of a second spinner besides providing additional batting depth. Apart from this, India have brought in Akash Deep for Harshit Rana, making their fast bowling line-up more balanced.

A key subplot for India is the role of captain Rohit Sharma. While KL Rahul has opened in both of the first two Tests, including when Rohit was unavailable for the first Test, it is uncertain if Rohit will again return to the opening slot or stay in the middle order for this match.

Australia’s and India’s Probable XI

Australia’s Probable XI:
Usman Khawaja
Nathan McSweeney
Marnus Labuschagne
Steven Smith
– Travis Head
– Mitchell Marsh
– Alex Carey (Wicketkeeper)
– Pat Cummins (Captain)
– Mitchell Starc
– Nathan Lyon
– Josh Hazlewood

India’s Probable XI:
– Rohit Sharma (Captain)
– Yashasvi Jaiswal
– Shubman Gill
– Virat Kohli
– Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
– KL Rahul
– Nitish Kumar Reddy
– Ravindra Jadeja
– Akash Deep
– Jasprit Bumrah
– Mohammed Siraj

Better conditions ahead of Day 1 IND vs AUS

The weather has once again played a major role in the ongoing series, but both teams will be hoping for better conditions in the coming days. The players are eager to get back onto the field, with the series poised at 1-1. The battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been intense, and with the series on the line, both India and Australia are determined to come out on top.

As the rain clouds drift away, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see which team can seize the advantage in this critical third Test.

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