India struggle at 51-4 as rain disrupts third Australia Test

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Heavy rain heavily disrupted play on the third day of the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, with only 17 overs bowled on Monday.

India ended the day at 51-4, facing significant challenges in their bid to avoid the follow-on, as persistent downpours forced players off the field multiple times.

At stumps, KL Rahul was on 33, with captain Rohit Sharma yet to score. India now needs 245 more runs to avoid the follow-on, after having bowled Australia out for 445 earlier in the day.

 

 

 

 

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Australia resumed the day on 405-7, and India quickly wrapped up the Australian innings. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who had contributed a valuable 70, was the last man dismissed, leaving Australia with a substantial lead.

India's response got off to a disastrous start, losing three early wickets in the first session. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck, caught off Mitchell Starc’s second delivery.

Rahul was then struck on the wrist by a rising ball from Josh Hazlewood but continued to bat after treatment. Shubman Gill followed soon after, edging a Starc delivery to Mitchell Marsh at gully. Virat Kohli, following his recent struggles, was dismissed for a faint edge off Hazlewood to wicketkeeper Carey.

 

 

 

 

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With India reeling at 6-3, the rain returned, leading to an early lunch. The delays continued throughout the afternoon as Rahul and Rishabh Pant tried to rebuild the innings.

However, with the score at 44, Pant was dismissed for a thin edge off Pat Cummins, leaving India in further trouble at 44-4.

 

 

 

 

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More rain delays followed, and when play finally resumed, bad light curtailed further play, ending the day prematurely. Despite the disruptions, Australia’s dominant position means India’s prospects of winning the match are slim, with a draw now their best hope.

The ongoing weather conditions forecast more rain for the next two days, which could offer India a chance to salvage a draw. If they do so, the series would remain tied at 1-1 heading into the final Test in Melbourne.