India vs Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood’s further participation in the ongoing third Test is in doubt after going off the field with calf soreness in the first session on Day 4.
Introduction
The encounter between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane on Day 4 is proving to be a tough encounter. Both teams are on the warpath as the men desperate to lay their claim on the upper ground. With a strong first innings score, Australia placed a big target, and now India has their work cut out avoiding the follow on while trying to stay in the contest.
Australia’s Dominant First Innings
The first batting of Australia was dominated by the top order, most notably Travis Head who reached the 3 figures mark. This century was one of the tellings signs of the dominance coming towards Australia’s total. His innings was a perfect mix between caution and aggression as he waited on the Indian bowlers for the optimal opportunity. Rand sitting in the shadows was Marnus Labuschagne who scored a half century in an over patiently crafted innings.
Steve Smith and Alex Carey also played their part with Smith holding the innings together while Carey scored some useful runs later in the order. Australia’s middle and lower order batting clearly had some depth as they were able to set an imposing total of 445 runs and put Indian bowlers on the back foot. Even though the Indian bowling spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin put in efforts, it was a tough job to dismantle the Aussie batting order on a regular basis.
India’s Struggle in the First Innings
Australia’s total puts India in desperate straits as the Indian batting was never really allowed to settle down. Early on, there were crucial ones thrown away with the loss of important wickets. The first wicket pairing between KL Rahul and Rohit was anticipated to bolster the innings but Australian bowling put a stop to that. Rohit Sharma, who is in good touch, went cheap, thereby increasing the burden on the middle order of the Indians.
On the other hand, KL Rahul has been a ray of light for the Indians. He has been managing to bat with guts as well as finishing the innings. Australian bowlers, especially Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc, have caused trouble for Rahul’s technique and even more his temperament. Off spin from Lyon and pace from Starc seem to have put Indian batsmen in a shackle and not allow them to get comfortable or be able to build up any partnerships.
Day 3 Recap: Rain and Bad Light Disruptions
The Test match’s day three was affected by patches of rain and dim light which made play tough. These interruptions I believe have made the match even more complicated in terms of the rhythm of the two opponents. At the end of day 3 India was 51 for 4 in the first innings, with KL Rahul standing Thereon with 33 runs and Rohit Sharma not out. The weather on the other hand made the day more difficult mentally for both teams as it consisted of waiting. Waiting and able to concentrate. Therefore it was a hard day for both teams mentally.
Key Players to Watch
KL Rahul in the context of Day 4 remains important for India. He can build the innings and construct partnerships, which might help India to avoid the follow-on. Most significantly, the way Rahul addresses the Australian attack, primarily Lyon’s spin and Starc’s pace, will most likely shape the national team’s destiny.
The captain of the Indian team, Rohit Sharma, has equally got to rise and bring some stability in the batting order. This will be a tough time for the team and Sharma’s captaincy will come in handy. Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc stand out as the two focal points of the Australian bowling attack. Lyon’s imparted spin and Starc’s quick left arm will be the combined efforts they need to break through the Indian batting lineup.
Weather Challenges and Match Conditions
There seems to be a pattern which is the reason for the interruptions in the Test match where the unexpected Mr rain or bad light makes an uninvited appearance. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, there are two days remaining in the match and there is a possibility of rain. The weather conditions across the region turned out to be another hurdle for the Indian batsmen as Gabba is well known for its seam-friendly surface. Gloomy skies and dampness in the wicket have been contextually rewarding to the seamers which has made it too tough for the batters as they have been unable to settle down and freely play their strokes.
Conclusion
Looking at Day 4 of the Test, the third one between India and Australia is at a very interesting juncture. Both the nations are looking to gain what would be a very important upper hand, India now looking to score as many runs as possible in the first innings forcing Australia to bat last. Anthony Lyon, Mitchell Starc and the rest of the bowlers in green and gold are looking to make this test as far as running around is concerned a perfect end to their busy week and also the series.
The contest between bat and ball vows to be an interesting one with some notable performers from both ends rising up to the occasion. The weather and pitch conditions will continue to have an impact on the final result of the match. With the drama building at The Gabba, the cricket fans across the globe are in for a great match viewing, which depicts the grit, ground skills, and commitment of both the teams.
