After being asked to bat first at the toss, Australia’s openers safely negotiated the new ball in a brief spell of play.
Only 13.2 overs were possible on a rain-affected opening day of the third Border-Gavaskar Test in Brisbane, as India, having opted to bowl first, failed to make an early breakthrough.
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Australia’s Openers Untroubled as Rain Disrupts Day One of Gabba Test
Overcast skies and a grassy surface influenced India’s decision to bowl after winning their third consecutive toss, a choice likely backed by recent history, with teams bowling first winning six of the last seven Tests at this venue. However, it took some time for India’s pacers to settle into consistent lengths. Usman Khawaja, largely untroubled in the first 5.3 overs, capitalized on anything too straight or short, reaching 13 off 22 balls before a drizzle forced the players off the field.
Bowlers Find Rhythm After Rain Delay
Play resumed after a half-hour delay, with the bowlers adjusting their lengths to fuller deliveries and extracting more movement. Akash Deep, brought into the XI in place of Harshit Rana, stood out as the first-change bowler.
The 27 year old consistently swinging the ball and nipping it into the right-handed Nathan McSweeney, while occasionally making the ball rise awkwardly as well.
Rain Disrupts Play as Momentum Builds
Just as the contest began to intensify, with India giving away only nine runs in 7.5 overs after the break, the rain returned—this time with greater force. Although the Gabba’s quick-draining outfield offered hope for a swift resumption, the downpour persisted, extending through both the lunch and tea intervals. A brief lull around 3 PM raised hopes, but the rain soon returned, and play was eventually abandoned at 4:13 PM.
India made two changes for the match, bringing in Akash Deep and Ravindra Jadeja—Jadeja making his first appearance of the series, replacing R Ashwin. This marked India’s use of three different spinners across the first three Tests. For Australia, Josh Hazlewood returned from a side strain, replacing Scott Boland in the pace attack.
Australia vs India 3rd Test Day 1 Summary
Australia: 28 for 0 (Khawaja 19*, McSweeney 4*) vs India
Looking Ahead to Day 2
With persistent rain, play was abandoned on Day 1 after only 13.2 overs. Early starts are scheduled for the remainder of the Test to compensate for today’s lost time. A total of 98 overs are set to be bowled tomorrow, and we hope for a full day of cricket. Join us for all the action, with play starting at 5:20 AM IST on Sunday, December 15. Until then, goodbye and take care!
FAQs
How much play was possible on Day 1 of the Gabba Test?
Only 13.2 overs were bowled before rain forced play to be abandoned.
Why did India choose to bowl first?
Overcast conditions, a grassy pitch, and recent history—teams bowling first won six of the last seven Tests at the Gabba—prompted India’s decision.
Who were the notable team changes for this Test?
India brought in Akash Deep and Ravindra Jadeja, while Australia welcomed back Josh Hazlewood, replacing Scott Boland.
What were the standout performances in the limited play?
Akash Deep impressed as the first-change bowler, swinging the ball and troubling Nathan McSweeney. Usman Khawaja looked solid, scoring 13 off 22 balls.
How will lost time be recovered in the Test match?
Early starts are planned for the remaining days, with 98 overs scheduled for Day 2 to make up for lost time.
