Brisbane – Persistent rain disrupted play on the third day of the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba, with India struggling at 48-4 in response to Australia’s commanding first-innings total of 445. Pat Cummins’ early strike removed Rishabh Pant, but poor weather once again halted Australia’s charge before tea.
India trails by 397 runs, with opener KL Rahul holding firm on 30 not out while captain Rohit Sharma remains at the crease without scoring. Despite managing only 14.1 overs due to rain, Australia’s bowlers made the most of their opportunities.
Cummins Breaks Through
Australia struck immediately after a rain delay, with Cummins dismissing Pant for nine. The wicketkeeper-batter nicked an edge to the keeper in the first over after play resumed. However, play was halted once more shortly after, despite Rahul hitting a crisp boundary off Mitchell Starc.
Earlier, Starc made an impact, taking two wickets in quick succession. He removed Yashasvi Jaiswal in just the second ball of India’s innings, as the opener flicked a shot off his pads only to be caught by Mitchell Marsh at square leg for four. Starc struck again, dismissing Shubman Gill for one with a sharp delivery that Marsh spectacularly caught at gully.
Josh Hazlewood added to India’s woes, claiming the prized wicket of Virat Kohli for three. The Indian skipper edged a delivery behind after a brief 16-ball stay at the crease. Rahul endured a painful blow to his wrist from Hazlewood’s first ball but managed to hold on as wickets tumbled around him.
Australia’s First Innings Wrapped Up
Australia began the day on 405-7 and added 40 runs before being bowled out. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey contributed a crucial 70 before falling to Akash Deep, who claimed his maiden Test wicket. Jasprit Bumrah finished with impressive figures of 6-76, dismissing Starc after the tailender made a handy 18. Mohammed Siraj also chipped in, bowling Nathan Lyon for two to end with 2-97.
The rain-marred day left Australia firmly in control, with their bowlers exploiting the conditions to put India under significant pressure. Play will resume on day four, weather permitting, with India facing an uphill battle to avoid a follow-on.
