Day 3 of the Gabba Test saw a frustrating mix of cricket action and rain interruptions, but one thing remained clear: Australia is firmly in control. Despite persistent showers disrupting play, the Aussies extended their first-innings lead, thanks to Alex Carey's gritty half-century. India, in reply, suffered early blows and faces an uphill battle to save the match.With the series delicately poised at 1-1, the Gabba Test has become a tense affair, with every run and wicket carrying immense significance.
Australia's batting dominance continues:
Resuming their innings at 405/7, Australia's lower order, led by Alex Carey, frustrated the Indian bowlers. Carey, playing with composure and determination, reached his half-century before finally being dismissed for 70. Australia eventually declared their innings at 445, setting India a daunting target. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Indian bowlers, finishing with figures of 6/76, a testament to his skill and perseverance despite the challenging conditions.
India's batting woes:
India's response got off to a disastrous start, with Mitchell Starc striking early to remove both openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, cheaply. Virat Kohli's struggles against Josh Hazlewood continued, as he was dismissed for just 11, exposing India's vulnerability at the top order. Rishabh Pant's woes against Pat Cummins also persisted, as he fell victim to the Australian captain for the third time in the series. At stumps, India were reeling at 51/4, still trailing by a massive 394 runs.
Key Performers:
- Australia: Travis Head (152) and Steve Smith (101) were the stars of Australia's batting performance, their centuries laying the foundation for a commanding first-innings total. Alex Carey (70) also played a crucial role in extending Australia's lead. With the ball, Mitchell Starc (2/21) and Josh Hazlewood (1/14) were the most effective, striking early to put India on the back foot.
- India: Jasprit Bumrah (6/76) was the standout performer for India, his five-wicket haul showcasing his ability to trouble even the best batsmen in the world. KL Rahul (33*) and Rohit Sharma (0*) will need to shoulder the responsibility of rebuilding India's innings on Day 4.
The road ahead:
With rain continuing to threaten the match, the outcome of the Gabba Test hangs in the balance. Australia will be aiming to wrap up India's innings quickly and push for a victory that would give them a crucial lead in the series. India, on the other hand, faces a monumental task. They need to avoid the follow-on and bat with resilience to salvage a draw. The remaining days of the Test promise to be a tense and captivating affair, with both teams vying for supremacy in this crucial encounter.
The Gabba Test has become a battle of attrition, with rain interruptions adding to the drama and uncertainty. Australia's dominant batting performance has put them in the driver's seat, but India's fighting spirit, exemplified by Bumrah's six-wicket haul, cannot be discounted. The remaining days of the Test will be crucial, with both teams needing to adapt to the changing conditions and seize any opportunities that come their way. This enthralling contest is poised for a thrilling finish, with the outcome likely to have a significant impact on the course of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
