December 14, 2024: The Brisbane Test between Australia and India faced significant disruptions on Day 1 due to persistent rain, which ultimately led to a complete washout. After a promising start, the weather intervened, forcing the players off the field and preventing any further action.
Australia was 28/0 at the end of Day 1, with Usman Khawaja (19 from 47 balls) and Nathan McSweeney (4 from 33 balls) standing firm at the crease. The pair had cautiously negotiated the opening spells from Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep. However, rain interrupted play early on, and despite brief resumption, another downpour meant no further play was possible.
With rain threatening to continue throughout the week, the chances of play being disrupted again are high. The weather forecast for the upcoming days is grim:
- Sunday: Cloudy, humid, and a 100% chance of thunderstorms.
- Monday: 46% chance of rain in the morning.
- Tuesday: 60% likelihood of rain.
- Wednesday: 70% chance of precipitation.
This ongoing wet weather puts the remaining days of the Test at risk, potentially shortening the match and disrupting both teams’ strategies.
Despite the setbacks, play is scheduled to resume on Sunday at 09:50 AM local time (5:20 AM IST), with a minimum of 98 overs planned for the day. The interruption on Day 1 has left both teams with little room for error, as the five-match Border-Gavaskar series is currently tied 1-1. Both teams are vying for crucial points to book a spot in the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s in June 2025.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma had won the toss and opted to field, and while the team will be hoping to make quick inroads once the rain clears, Australia will look to build on the solid platform laid by their openers.
Both teams will be hoping for better weather conditions in the coming days, as the series remains evenly poised. Australia will want to capitalize on the favorable home conditions, while India seeks to build momentum after a crucial win in the second Test.
The Brisbane Test has the potential to be a classic contest, but rain is clearly the biggest obstacle to both teams’ ambitions. Fans will be hoping for clear skies in the coming days, so the action can finally get underway properly.
