AUS vs IND, 3rd Test, Day 1: Rain play spoilsport at the Gabba; Australia at 28-0 at the stumps on Day 1
Brief Score: AUS 28/0 (U. Khawaja 19*, N McSweeney 4*)
The play for Day 1 of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series 2024-25 was called off due to rain. India had won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Gabba. In a brief period of play in the morning session, Australia stacked 28 runs without losing any wickets. India made two changes, bringing in Ravindra Jadeja and Akash Deep for Harshit Rana and Ravichandran Ashwin, while Australia replaced Scott Boland with Josh Hazlewood.
Explaining the decision to field, Rohit Sharma highlighted the favorable bowling conditions at the Gabba. He took the right decision to field first considering the overcast and rainy conditions in Brisbane. India bowlers couldn’t claim any wickets. However, they will look to make full use of the seaming conditions on Day 2.
With the World Test championship (WTC) final spot at stake, a washout will dent both India and Australia's chances of making it to the summit clash next year at Lord's. Hence, both Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins will try to get an outcome out of the game. Both captains will be expected to adjust their strategies accordingly.
Khawaja, McSweeney frustrate India's quicks
Rain disrupted the opening session with Australia reaching 28/0. Usman Khawaja (19*) and Nathan McSweeney (4*) safely negotiated the start-stop play. The rain halted proceedings twice, first in the sixth over for 30 minutes and the second time it eventually led to Lunch being called early. Just 13.2 overs could be bowled in the first session. India’s pace spearheads Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were off to a rather underwhelming start early on. Meanwhile, Akash Deep bowled well and did not let the opposition batters hit any boundaries. He started off with a maiden and conceded just two runs in his 3.2 over spell.
What’s next
While the opening day has been washed out, the weather forecast for the next couple of days also predicts rain in Brisbane. According to AccuWeather.com, there are 46%, 67%, 68%, and 55% chances of rain on the second, third, fourth, and fifth days, respectively. Day 5 of the Test is also forecasted to receive a thunderstorm in the afternoon.
With no wickets on Day 1, the India bowlers will eye some quick wickets, in order to gain an upper hand over the Aussies. At the same time, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney will aim for a good opening partnership for Australia.
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