Heavy rain delayed the start of the second session of the third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday, with Australia at 28-0.
According to details, only 13.2 overs were bowled before lunch, and no further play occurred 40 minutes after the scheduled resumption. At one point, the outfield resembled a lake, but as the weather eased, the water drained away quickly, leaving only a few small affected areas.
Usman Khawaja remained 19 not out, while Nathan McSweeney had scored four, following India captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to field after winning the toss.
Despite a week of rain in Brisbane, which would have suggested plenty of movement for India’s bowlers, they struggled with their lengths. Spearhead Jasprit Bumrah appeared off pace early, and Mohammed Siraj was similarly unthreatening.
The first rain came 25 minutes into the day’s play, resulting in a half-hour delay. When play resumed, Akash Deep found the ideal length, causing problems for McSweeney. However, 35 minutes later, much heavier rain forced the players off the field again.
The five-match series has remained evenly poised, with India having won the first Test in Perth and Australia responding with a dominant victory in Adelaide.
Australia made one change to their side, bringing back Josh Hazlewood in place of Scott Boland after Hazlewood’s recovery from a side strain. India made two changes, dropping Ravichandran Ashwin and Harshit Rana, and replacing them with Ravindra Jadeja and Deep.
