Australia Maintains Upper Hand as Rain Interrupts Third Test

Australia tightened their grip on the third Test against India in Brisbane, despite persistent rain disrupting most of day three. After resuming their innings at 405-7, the hosts added 40 more runs around a lengthy rain delay before being bowled out for 445. Alex Carey was the last man to fall, finishing with an impressive 70 runs.

India’s reply faced further delays due to weather interruptions, and their top order crumbled under Australia’s pace attack. Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings with a boundary off Mitchell Starc but was caught at mid-wicket on the very next delivery. Shubman Gill departed after an excellent catch at gully by Mitchell Marsh, and Virat Kohli edged Josh Hazlewood to the keeper, leaving India struggling at 22-3.

As Rishabh Pant made his way to the crease, rain returned, wiping out most of the afternoon and evening sessions. Wet conditions and poor light allowed only four brief spells of cricket, lasting 11, 23, seven, and 17 balls, respectively. Pant didn’t last long, edging Pat Cummins to the wicketkeeper in the third session. By stumps, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma steadied the innings slightly, guiding India to 51-4, still trailing by 394 runs.

With more rain predicted and 98 overs possible on each of the remaining days, achieving a decisive result may prove challenging. The series, currently tied at 1-1, adds pressure on both teams. India must win at least two of the last three Tests to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final at Lord's in June. Meanwhile, defending champions Australia need two more victories to confirm their place in the final.

As weather looms as a potential game-changer, cricket fans are left anticipating whether the series can deliver a definitive result in these challenging conditions.