India have kept their hopes alive for a draw in the Gabba Test after an unbeaten last-wicket stand between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep avoided the follow-on, with rain likely to play a key role on the final day.
Key Highlights:
- Weather Forecast: The Bureau of Meteorology predicts between 2mm to 25mm of rain on Wednesday, with a high chance of showers in the late morning and afternoon. There is also a possibility of thunderstorms, potentially severe.
- Match Status: The Test has seen just 192 overs bowled across four days due to weather interruptions, and a similar pattern is expected on Day 5.
- Australia’s Challenge:
- Australia must quickly dismiss India’s final wicket and set a target in the region of 300 runs.
- However, with Josh Hazlewood injured (calf strain), the hosts are a bowler down, which could impact their chances of forcing a result.
- Nathan Lyon is expected to shoulder a significant workload.
Assistant Coach Daniel Vettori acknowledged the breaks had helped Australia’s quicks stay relatively fresh but emphasized the challenges of losing a key bowler like Hazlewood.
Player Perspectives:
- KL Rahul (India’s top scorer with 84) humorously noted the fatigue caused by frequent stoppages, saying:
“I think I got most tired running up and down from the dressing room more than being in the middle.”
He added that the disruptions were frustrating for both teams but a part of the game.
Final Day Outlook:
With 98 overs scheduled, Australia will need every available opportunity to dismiss India and chase a result, while India will hope that rain and time continue to be their allies.