IND vs AUS: Weather threatens final day of Gabba Test as rain and thunderstorms expected

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a “high chance of showers” on the final day of the ongoing third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba, raising concerns over potential rain interruptions. According to reports, there is also a possibility of severe thunderstorms during the late morning and afternoon in Brisbane on Wednesday.

“High chance of showers, most likely in the late morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe,” the Bureau of Meteorology stated, potentially disrupting what could be a decisive final day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy match.

Day four of the Test saw India stage a resilient fightback after a poor start, finishing at 252/9. Facing the challenge of avoiding a follow-on and a possible innings defeat, KL Rahul (84 off 139 balls) and Ravindra Jadeja (77 off 123 balls) played crucial knocks, with lower-order contributions from Akash Deep (27*) and Jasprit Bumrah (10*). India trail Australia by 193 runs but have kept themselves alive in the contest.

Speaking after the day’s play, KL Rahul shared his frustration about frequent rain interruptions affecting the game. “I think I got more tired running up and down from the dressing room than I did being in the middle. It was a challenge for both teams, stopping and starting again. It wasn’t easy for us, and I’m sure it wasn’t easy for them either. But it is what it is,” Rahul said.

In the match, India won the toss and opted to field first. Australia started solidly, with day one ending wicketless after 13 overs. However, on day two, India struck early to reduce Australia to 75/3, dismissing Usman Khawaja (21), Nathan McSweeney (9), and Marnus Labuschagne (12). A 241-run partnership between Steve Smith (101) and Travis Head (152) then shifted the momentum back in Australia’s favor. Jasprit Bumrah (5/72) broke the stand, but Australia ended day two at 405/7 with Alex Carey (45*) and Mitchell Starc (7*) unbeaten.

On day three, Australia’s lower order added valuable runs, with Carey scoring 70 and Starc contributing 18, guiding the hosts to 445 all out in 117.1 overs. Bumrah was India’s standout performer, finishing with figures of 6/76, while Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Nitish Kumar Reddy chipped in with a wicket each.

India’s first innings began disastrously, losing Yashasvi Jaiswal (4), Shubman Gill (1), Virat Kohli (3), and Rishabh Pant (9) cheaply. KL Rahul, however, showed resilience, ending day three unbeaten on 33.

On day four, Rahul extended his innings to a crucial 84 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja’s gritty 77 steadied the ship for India. Their partnership, combined with late contributions from Akash Deep (27*) and Jasprit Bumrah (10*), helped India avoid the follow-on.