In a dramatic turn of events at Brisbane’s Gabba, Australia’s fast bowlers vs India emerged as the defining contest of a stop-start third day in the ongoing Test series. As rain played spoilsport throughout, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins delivered a relentless pace attack that left India reeling at 51 for 4. With two days left, India faces an uphill battle to avoid the follow-on and keep their chances alive.
This match epitomizes the challenges of Test cricket in Australia, where conditions, pace, and bounce test the grit of every visiting team. Let’s delve deeper into the highlights, key turning points, and what lies ahead for both teams.
The Start-Stop Nature of Day Three
The day began with Australia’s tailenders adding 40 runs to their overnight score of 405 for 7, stretching the total to a formidable 445. Despite multiple rain interruptions, Alex Carey’s fluent half-century (70 runs) ensured Australia maintained their upper hand. His effortless six over wide long-off, coupled with Jasprit Bumrah’s incredible 6-wicket haul, showcased the balance of aggression and skill this match demanded.
Unfortunately for India, the weather gods weren’t on their side. Frequent rain stoppages not only disrupted their rhythm but also helped Australia’s bowlers stay fresh, allowing them to unleash their fiery spells at regular intervals.
Australia’s Seamers Dominate India’s Top Order
Mitchell Starc’s Early Strikes
Starc set the tone early, removing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in just the second ball of the innings. Jaiswal’s attempted flick off Starc resulted in a straightforward catch to Mitchell Marsh at square leg. The left-arm pacer struck again in his second over, inducing Shubman Gill into a loose drive. Marsh’s spectacular diving catch at gully highlighted the Aussies’ sharp fielding effort.
Josh Hazlewood’s Precision
Hazlewood brought his trademark precision into play, dismissing Indian skipper Virat Kohli cheaply. Kohli’s uncertain footwork outside off stump led to a tentative edge to the keeper. Hazlewood also caused discomfort with his awkward bounce, striking KL Rahul’s wrist on his very first delivery, a testament to the variable nature of the Gabba pitch.
Pat Cummins’ Decisive Spell
Pat Cummins completed the demolition by sending Rishabh Pant back to the pavilion. He executed a well-thought-out delivery angled across Pant, exploiting his tendency to push defensively down the wrong line. The delivery nipped away after pitching, catching Pant’s edge.
India’s Slim Hopes Rest on KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma
Amid the chaos, KL Rahul stood out with a measured knock of 33*. His composed approach and decisive footwork kept him steady at the crease, even as wickets fell around him. Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, remained unbeaten without scoring, tasked with the unenviable job of reviving India’s innings on Day Four.
India’s immediate objective will be to reach 246 to avoid the follow-on. With rain forecasts for the next two days, this target becomes critical to their chances of salvaging a draw.
Key Highlights from Day Three
- Jasprit Bumrah’s Brilliance
Bumrah’s 6-wicket haul was the standout performance in Australia’s innings. His ability to extract movement off the pitch and deceive batters with subtle variations reaffirmed his status as one of the world’s premier bowlers. - Alex Carey’s Counter-Attack
Carey’s quick 70 provided Australia with crucial runs at the tail-end, frustrating the Indian bowlers. His aggressive approach helped the Aussies extend their dominance. - Australian Bowlers’ Tactical Excellence
Australia’s pace trio leveraged the Gabba’s conditions to perfection. Their control over line and length, combined with well-executed bouncers, exposed India’s vulnerabilities on a lively track.
The Role of Rain in This Contest
Rain played a significant role on Day Three, interrupting play eight times and disrupting India’s momentum. While these stoppages provided respite for both sides, they undoubtedly benefited Australia’s bowlers, who remained fresh and ready to attack. For India, however, the constant breaks meant their batters had to reset and find rhythm repeatedly, adding to the pressure.
What Lies Ahead?
Australia’s Plan
Australia will look to capitalize on their commanding position and enforce the follow-on if India fails to reach 246. With rain in the forecast, they will aim to bowl India out quickly and minimize their time at the crease in a potential second innings.
India’s Fight for Survival
For India, the path forward is challenging but not impossible. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma need to form a solid partnership to stabilize the innings and inch toward the follow-on mark. Contributions from the lower order could also prove vital in frustrating Australia and eating into the lead.
Insights into Gabba’s Pitch and Conditions
The Gabba pitch has lived up to its reputation, offering pace, bounce, and lateral movement. For visiting teams, its unique challenges are magnified by Australia’s ability to extract the maximum advantage from home conditions.
The overcast weather has only added to the difficulties for batters, making shot selection and footwork crucial. As seen with Kohli and Gill, loose drives outside off stump can prove fatal against Australia’s relentless pace attack.
Links to Keep Up with the Series
- Full Schedule and Results of India vs Australia 2024-25
- Team Squads for India’s Tour of Australia 2024-25
- Complete Scorecard of Australia vs India 3rd Test
Ready to Face the Challenge?
Can India turn the tide and save the Test at Gabba? Share your thoughts on this epic contest in the comments or explore our detailed analysis of the series here.
