The third Test between India and Australia began at Gabba, Brisbane on 14 December 2024 with heavy rain and disturbances which caused the start to be delayed. Under trying conditions Australia faced the Indian bowlers and amassed 28 not out by lunch break. It was the weather that affected the first proceedings greatly, however a combination of determination on both sides ensured that the little time before the first break was utilized.
Before the game, the official weather forecast suggested challenging weather with thunderstorms and the rain which appeared early on the day indicated the forecast proved correct. Rain initially neutralised the game as it fell throughout the morning which altered the entire equilibrium of both teams. The resumption of play saw Australia lose early wickets due to rain affecting the Indian bowlers but prior to lunch, Australia regained form against the Indian bowling side.
Change in Weather Conditions and Play
The Gabba is known for its lively surface, which generally comes alive and offers pace and bounce towards the second half of the game. Assisting on this occasion was the atmosphere and climatic conditions. Players and viewers alike were left waiting for the bad weather to pass as a result of heavy rain delaying the match.
As a result of the rain, the grounds and surfaces were very wet, which meant that both ground staff and umpires had to be very active and careful during the game.
That was why the first break was shortened and the covers had been placed for a longer period than is usually the case. With the weather now improving, both teams were eager to get on with the third test match. But as they walked onto the field, wet patches on the surface and the remaining rain showers only made things worse during the warm up.
David Warner add Usman Khawaja opened for the Australians and they were defenselss against the barrage of Indian bowlers. The pair successfully built a good partnership as they managed to score 28 without losing the wicket during lunch. Warner appeared to be in great form too and displayed great stokes to the point were he almost reached several boundaries. Ian clearly showed composure and seized every opportunity to further the Australian team’s chances.
On the contrary, Khajwa was slow off the mark but fastened the baton when he finally found his rhythm. Despite having unfavoured conditions, Warner and Khawaja were a spectacle and delighted the crowd in attendance with their opening batter displays and rotations of the strike.
They see sense in employing the relatively favourable and flexible conditions while trying to avoid going for expansive shots which would lead to an early wicket loss.
H D N Agarwal: As far as the plan is concerned today, we woke up with an exact plan, how to get past the Australian batting order as quickly as possible. The Indian marketers, headed by Mohammed Sirah, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin had their hopes high due to the weather; however, the rainy conditions and the sloppy pitch worked against them allowing them to settle into a rhythm. As always, however, Bumrah provided attacking pace and bounce support, yet again, conditions prevented him from mounting unrelenting pressure on the attackers’ end-layer.
The Effect of Rain and Weather on The Game
It must be noted that the weather affected the opening stages of the whole competition. Due to excess moisture in the air, the surface was borderline wet due to rain so heavy caution was needed from the bowlers. Moist air also caused increased swing of the ball. Weather stoppages made it hard for the bowlers to bed in their lines and lengths and thus allowed the Australian openers to play the ball on its merits, rather than bending to the pressure applied by the bowlers on the opponents.
Clouds hovering above the Gabba led to a disturbance in the concentration perceived in the air but that aided the movement of the ball making it easy for the fast bowlers.
Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah would have been a good match for Siraj in the conditions as he does manage to create excels in swing but consistent pressure and support was hard due to rain cuts. This gave the games a more on and off rhythm and constantly brought about the need for tactical changes across both teams.
Australia – batting Joe Burns and now dismissed David Warner, resume action due to what had consisted as the last bout of rain.
Warner was set with a firm stance and protective covering along with Khawaja. Along with meager attempts to chase any cut shots or play aggressive even given the Pakistan bowling which had attempted bombardingin some conditions. Despite some great edge connects and angles Hashim Amla suddenly displayed that one of them was drenched. Khawaja especially had a harder time hitting the ball as the level went lower whilst attempting to remaining in the covers.
Warner With an impressive performance managed to sit out the rain affected autos. The rain to begin with did deal a lot with the players but the slows enabled australia to gather their strategy better, mentally and tailored their plans to succeed thinking longer than needed post lunch. Cutting breaks to give due time and connecting tactics was essential to every player who now played. Luckily the strategy mentioned was thoroughly well implemented as Khawja and hurst held against some slings at Ford ranger.
Australia managed to pull off an amazing match in which they scored 28 runs while giving no outs during lunch breaks. The early conditions did favor Australia but all in all they were able to use these to their advantage right apparently over the boundaries.
The goal of the openers is to ensure the break momentum is carried forward while making sure the stronghold that they’ve built is intact. As time advances in the match, I think the weather will play a crucial role once again that asks both teams to change their strategies depending on the conditions. Any prediction on the match outcome may be knocked off track, if the downward trend of rain persists or if other interruptions occur during the match.
India looks to get the new ball to work in their favour and take some early wickets, more so with their strong bowling line up. However, the experienced opening partnership in Australia will look to cement a crucial lead in the series. Both sides will be mindful of the surface and its changes, knowing that in all likelihood it will offer increasing assistance to the bowlers as the innings wears on.
Summary
The first day of the 3rd Test between Australia and India is one to remember, not least due to the fact that due to heavy rain falling play had to be delayed to the afternoon. Despite the breaks however, Australia was able to take lunch on one and sixty odd without removing the loss with both Warner and Khawaja scoring some runs with good technique. The match has been finely poised with many factors for both teams to keep in mind the most significant being the weather.
Seeing the events unfold during a halt in play, and seeing which team will be able to take advantage of the details provided by the Gabba pitch, will be interesting as play resumes.
If you are interested for more: Australia scored 28 runs without loss at lunch on a rainy first morning of the third cricket test against India. Reeza Hendricks surpasses Sayim Ayub with his inaugural century, leading South Africa to victory over Pakistan in the second T20I.
