Australia in the Box Seat Despite Rain Delays | Lotus365 Match Prediction
At least one result – an India win – seems out of the picture after a rain-affected third day at Brisbane in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite persistent rain interruptions, Australia has maintained its dominance and looks to push for a 2-1 series lead. With India reduced to 51/4 in 17 overs after Australia’s first-innings total of 445, the hosts remain in a commanding position. This Lotus365 Match Prediction highlights Australia’s strategic advantage and the impact of rain on the game.
India Stumbles Under Pressure
India’s batting lineup once again faltered, failing to counter Australia’s formidable bowling attack led by Mitchell Starc. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed on the second ball of the innings, clipping a full delivery from Starc to Mitchell Marsh at square leg. Starc and Marsh paired up again to remove Shubman Gill, who drove loosely at a wide delivery without proper foot movement.
Virat Kohli, tasked with steadying the innings, struggled with both short and full deliveries before falling to Josh Hazlewood for just three runs. Following his dismissal, another rain delay disrupted India’s innings. After the break, Rishabh Pant poked at a delivery angled across him by Pat Cummins and departed cheaply, leaving India reeling.
KL Rahul was the lone bright spot for India, playing some exquisite cover drives en route to an unbeaten 33. However, frequent rain delays disrupted the rhythm, and the team ended the day 394 runs behind Australia’s total.
Australia’s Strong Start
Australia began the day at 405/7, adding 40 runs to their overnight score despite rain interruptions. Alex Carey played a critical role with a brisk 53-ball fifty, including well-timed boundaries. Mitchell Starc contributed with a quick six and a four before Jasprit Bumrah dismissed him, claiming his sixth wicket of the innings. Bumrah’s stellar performance also made him the second Indian bowler after Kapil Dev to reach 50 Test wickets in Australia.
Nathan Lyon fell to Mohammed Siraj, and Carey’s fine knock ended when Akash Deep dismissed him with a short delivery. Australia’s total of 445 has given their bowlers ample time and runs to press for a victory despite the weather.
Rain Interruptions and Challenges
Persistent rain caused several delays throughout the day, with only 33.1 overs bowled in stop-start sessions. Despite the interruptions, Australia’s bowlers capitalized on the challenging conditions to put India under immense pressure.
Lotus365 Match Prediction | What Lies Ahead
With two days remaining and a forecast for more rain, Australia is still in the driver’s seat. If the rain eases, they will push for a decisive win to gain a 2-1 lead in the series. India’s chances hinge on a miraculous recovery from their middle and lower-order batters. Based on the current scenario, our Lotus365 Match Prediction favors Australia to take this Test.
Brief Scores
Australia: 445 (Travis Head 152, Steve Smith 101; Jasprit Bumrah 6-76)India: 51/4 (KL Rahul 33*; Mitchell Starc 2-25)
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