The third Test between India and Australia at Brisbane's Gabba faced major interruptions due to persistent rain, allowing only 13.2 overs of play. Under cloudy skies, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma opted to bowl after winning the toss, hoping to capitalize on the conditions. However, Australia’s openers, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, stood firm and guided their team to 28 without loss before the rain enforced a stoppage.
India made two adjustments to their playing XI from the previous Test in Adelaide, introducing Akash Deep and Ravindra Jadeja. Despite the gloomy conditions, the Indian pacers struggled to find any notable swing or seam movement. Khawaja took advantage of deliveries that lacked precision, dispatching them with confidence. Although Jasprit Bumrah managed to trouble Khawaja on a few occasions, only one of India’s initial 33 deliveries was on track to hit the stumps, allowing Australia’s openers to settle in comfortably.
The first rain delay caused a temporary break in play. Once the game resumed, debutant Akash Deep made an impressive start with his opening deliveries. However, just as India seemed to be finding their rhythm, heavy rain returned, forcing the players off the field again and prompting an early lunch break.
The weather forecast for Brisbane suggests more challenges ahead, with thunderstorms and heavy cloud cover expected. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings for the Southeast Coast, including Brisbane, due to the likelihood of heavy rainfall causing flash flooding.
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These weather-related disruptions pose significant challenges, affecting players' momentum and complicating logistics for ground staff and fans. Despite having one of the best drainage systems globally, the Gabba can still experience considerable delays due to prolonged rain. Weather interruptions have historically influenced match outcomes at this venue, adding an element of unpredictability.
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India vs Australia 3rd Test Live Weather Report from Brisbane, Ind vs Aus match start time pic.twitter.com/i2XYqiVtZd
With the series evenly poised, both teams will be eager to maximize playtime as the match progresses. However, they may need to adjust their strategies accordingly, given the possibility of further rain interruptions.
