It was one of those days where the weather was as unpredictable as the game itself, and Australia just kept hammering India, making sure they had zero space to breathe. Day 3 of the third Test at the Gabba was all about umbrellas, constant rain breaks, and a lot of coffee – but India’s top order didn’t get the memo that it wasn’t supposed to collapse under pressure. With Australia setting a massive first-innings total of 445, India limped to 51/4 by the close of play, staring down the barrel of a 394-run deficit. At this rate, Australia’s licking its chops to go 2-1 up in the series, and with the weather still messing around, India’s chances are looking thinner than ever.
A Rocky Start – And No Relief in Sight
The day kicked off with rain messing things up, but once the clouds took a break, things didn’t get much better for India. First up, Yashasvi Jaiswal – who had already got a little lucky with an edge through slips for four – decided to try something bold, only to pick out the fielder at short mid-wicket off Mitchell Starc. Bang, another one down, and the pavilion was calling.
Then Shubman Gill – with a case of itchy hands outside the off-stump – couldn’t resist and ended up giving Mitchell Marsh an absolute stunner in the slip cordon. Boom – another breach, and once again, Starc was the man to break India’s back. It’s been clear throughout this series: Starc is an absolute menace for India, and they had no answers.
Kohli’s Dream Turned Nightmare
Now, everyone was watching Virat Kohli. After all, the man had written the script Down Under, and if anyone could turn this around, it was him. But today? He looked a shell of himself. A star who once made Australia his playground couldn’t deal with Starc’s short ball, fending awkwardly and flashing that trademark Kohli smile, as if to say, “This is really happening?” The very next over, he chased a delivery from Hazlewood that he should’ve left alone, and bam, it’s into Carey’s gloves. 22/3, and India was crumbling faster than a cheap biscuit.
Pant’s Misfire – India at 44/4
In walked Rishabh Pant, who’s been known for his fearless strokeplay, but today, he tried to be something he wasn’t. Pant tried to bat patiently, as if he’d forgotten that chaos was his thing. Trying to curb his natural game, he edged Pat Cummins and was caught behind, leaving India at 44/4. It was a disaster in the making, and now the only thing keeping India alive was K.L. Rahul.
Through all the rain breaks and chaos, Rahul stood firm. With Rohit Sharma for company, they tried to grind out a partnership while Australia’s bowlers were in full-on attack mode. But the writing was on the wall. With Kohli, Pant, Gill, and Jaiswal gone, India’s fight was looking weaker by the minute.
Australia’s Relentless Grind
Earlier in the day, Australia resumed at 405/7, making it clear that they weren’t interested in letting up. Mitchell Starc, no slouch with the bat, smacked a quick six off Ravindra Jadeja, sending a message that they weren’t about to hand over the game. Even though Starc got out trying to swing big, Carey kept on doing his thing, hitting a six off Akash Deep before finally being dismissed. India had no luck with the tail, and soon enough, Australia had pushed their total to 445, giving India a mountain to climb.
India’s Hail Mary – Do They Stand a Chance?
With rain showers messing with the flow, Australia’s grip on the game just kept tightening. India’s top-order disaster meant they had no breathing space. The way things are shaping up, India is looking at an absolute uphill battle. With Kohli and Pant gone, and rain threatening to change the course, India needs something monumental from the remaining batsmen to get them out of this hole.
The weather’s still playing its part, but with the way Australia is executing their plan, it’s hard to see how India can turn this one around. If the last three days are any indicator, Australia is in full control. For India, it’s all about survival now, and they’ll need something extraordinary to even make a game of it. If not, this Test could be over before it’s even begun.
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