BRISBANE: India finished Day 3 at 51/4, 394 runs behind Australia, severely undermining their hopes of a comeback in the third Test at the Gabba. Early stumping was caused by ongoing rain delays and bad lighting, and KL Rahul (33*) was the only player who remained steadfast at the crease despite numerous interruptions.
India lost four wickets on the day, including the two prized scalps of Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli, leaving them in a precarious position. The Australian bowlers led by Pat Cummins exploited the conditions perfectly.
Pant was dismissed by Cummins after a rain break, while Josh Hazlewood struck right before lunch, dismissing Virat Kohli, who has been struggling with deliveries outside the off stump throughout the innings. Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill both fell to poor shots, leaving India languishing under pressure.
The collapse came after Australia's solid batting display, as Indian bowlers did well to limit them to 445, just 40 runs ahead of their overnight score. With only 195 runs required to avoid the follow-on, India's immediate focus will be on this target, which will buy them time to push for a draw.
India's chances are dependent on Rahul and Rohit Sharma's tenacity as the match enters Day 4, while Australia wants to take advantage of further errors. Interruptions might further complicate the proceedings and increase the uncertainty of the following play days, especially as rain is predicted to persist.
ALSO WATCH: