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During the ongoing third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test match, the rain and bad light has affected play majorly in the first three days despite Australia finding themselves in a dominating position against India at the Gabba in Brisbane. With day four and five expected to be quite rainy, the third BGT Test between Australia and India could end in a draw, which won’t be such a bad result for the visitors if their chances of making the World Test Championship (WTC) final are concerned.
Notably, Australia were in the box seat at the close of play on day three, reducing India to 51/4 in 17 overs after putting a massive first innings total of 445 runs on the board despite losing 135 overs worth of play. Travis Head and Steve Smith scored tons at the Gabba in Brisbane, followed by a valuable fifty from Alex Carey before the Australian fast bowlers were all over the Indian batters like a rash on day three when the rain frequently appeared to unsettle the flow of play.
India need to win Melbourne and Sydney Tests to reach WTC Final if Gabba Test is drawn
The forecast for the final two days isn’t quite good at the Gabba in Brisbane as far as the weather is concerned, which might not be the worst thing for the Indian cricket team, looking at their position in the third BGT Test. While on day four, there is a 100% chance of rain, coupled with consistent showers, day five could see a few thunderstorms brew at the eastern coast of Australia, which isn’t something the hosts would want.
If the Gabba Test ends as a rain-affected draw, then the Indian cricket team will still have a chance to make the WTC final next year without depending on other results, if they defeat Australia in remaining two Test matches in Melbourne and Sydney. If this doesn’t happen, then India will have to wait for results of the Sri Lanka versus Australia Test series early next year.
Moreover, India can’t afford to lose the BGT series after the potential drawn Test at the Gabba in Brisbane against Australia. The scenario of the hosts’ winning in Melbourne and Sydney Tests would mean that the Indian cricket team won’t be making the WTC final next year regardless of other results in the remaining matches in the ongoing 2023-25 championship cycle.
