IND vs AUS: Rain Interception Continues And IND Down With 4 Wickets

IND vs AUS: The third day of the Brisbane Test between India and Australia was completely destroyed by rain, with only 34 overs of play possible. Meanwhile, the day’s play offered much insight into the actual direction of the match in question. While the rain kept the players off the field for much of the day, it also created a somewhat unique situation, allowing both teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses under challenging circumstances.

Rain Disrupts the IND vs AUS 3rd Day’s Play

The day started with high hopes, as it was anticipated to be a crucial day for both teams. Traditionally, the third day of a Test is a “moving day” where the outcome of the game often crystallizes. However, rain repeatedly interrupted the Brisbane Test, drastically reducing the time available for play. Out of the scheduled 90 overs, only 34 were bowled. It was these interruptions that did more damage to the batting of Australia because they could add only 40 runs to their overnight score while losing three key wickets.

Key Wickets for Australia

Australia resumed the day on a good note but lost its momentum due to persistent rain delays. They batted for only 17.1 overs on the day, adding 40 runs to their total. However, India’s bowlers capitalized on the conditions, picking up wickets at crucial moments. Jasprit Bumrah claimed the first wicket of the day, followed by Akash Deep and Mohammad Siraj, who also struck during the rain-affected session.

Alex Carey was one of the few Australian batsmen who performed well and finished a well-composed half-century. The Australian side’s batting was marred by India’s disciplined attack and the interruptions due to the weather.

India’s Batting Woes Continue

India’s batting was equally derailed by the rain, with only 17 overs of play in which they could score 51 runs while losing four key wickets. The Indian team’s struggles at the crease were a major talking point of the day. As was the case in the previous Test, Mitchell Starc proved to be a thorn in India’s side, sending both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill packing in quick succession.

Jaiswal got out very early in the innings, being caught while trying to play a flick off the leg stump. Gill was caught by Mitchell Marsh while chasing a full-length ball outside the off stump. Both the dismissals spoke of India’s weakness to the pace attack of Australia.

Kohli’s Cautious Approach and the Fall of Pant

Virat Kohli, one of India’s star batsmen, appeared to take a more cautious approach following the early wickets, but his innings was short-lived. Josh Hazlewood tempted Kohli into driving a ball outside the off stump, and Kohli was caught out, continuing his struggles in Australia.

Rishabh Pant, who was expected to give a strong innings and lift the Indian side, fell prey to an excellent delivery from Australian captain Pat Cummins. Pant was dismissed by a ball in the corridor of uncertainty, leaving India in a precarious position.

Hope for India in Rohit and Rahul in IND vs AUS

By the time play concluded for the day, India had lost four wickets, but there was a glimmer of hope. Captain Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, both solid batsmen, were at the crease, and their partnership could prove crucial for India’s chances in this match. Rahul, in particular, has been in good form, and his steady presence at the crease could help India recover from their early setbacks.

Can India save the IND vs AUS 3rd Test match?

With the current state of the match, it doesn’t seem easy to predict a victory for India. But with interruptions, Australia is somehow dominating the game. However, with rain predicted even for the fourth day, further delay can prove to be the chance for India to bounce back. The Indian team would hope that the weather keeps on playing its role so that their batting line-up has more time to settle down and resist the fierce attack of Australia.

Though a win seems to be a remote possibility for India, they still have a decent chance of saving the match and then fighting for a draw. The second day will be the real decider, and much will depend on how well Sharma and Rahul can build their innings under increasingly difficult conditions. The rain may yet determine the course of events regarding the match, but a pressure situation coupled with harsh climatic conditions at Brisbane has to be dug deep into by the Indian team to surmount it.

ALSO READ: Kane Williamson Makes History: First Cricketer To Achieve Groundbreaking World Record