December 14, 2024: The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia got off to a rain-affected start on Saturday at The Gabba, with only 13.2 overs possible in the first session due to intermittent showers. By the time the rain interrupted play at Lunch, Australia were 28/0, with Usman Khawaja (19 off 47 balls) and Nathan McSweeney (4 off 33 balls) unbeaten at the crease.
The weather played a crucial role, with overcast conditions suggesting further rain. The drizzle that began in the sixth over forced the players off the field as the covers were brought out, halting play temporarily. Another rain interruption in the 14th over ended any hopes of more action before the break, bringing the session to an early close.
India’s captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to exploit the overcast conditions that favored the bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj opened the bowling, but the Australian openers, Khawaja and McSweeney, held firm despite the challenging conditions. The Indian pacers struggled for consistency, and the Australians capitalized on this to reach 28 without losing a wicket.
India’s fortunes began to improve when Akash Deep was introduced into the attack. The right-arm seamer, who had missed the first two Tests, replaced Harshit Rana for this match. Akash’s inward-angling deliveries troubled both openers, as he found a good rhythm and kept the batsmen on edge. McSweeney was particularly tested, with one delivery that almost clipped the stumps but just missed. The Indian bowlers, especially Akash, seemed to be building some pressure before the rain intervened.
With Australia on 28/0, India will be looking to make early inroads as soon as play resumes, with the pacers eager to make the most of the conditions. The rain delays have certainly disrupted the momentum, but the session showed that both teams were preparing for a battle of patience and precision in a game that promises to be shaped by the weather as much as the cricket itself.
