Day 4 of the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane was once again marred by rain interruptions, leaving both teams frustrated and uncertain about the outcome. With just a limited amount of play, India’s prospects of bouncing back in this crucial Test match were dampened further, and the rain delays have significant implications for India’s hopes of advancing to the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Weather Woes Continue to Haunt India
India’s ongoing struggle against Australia has been compounded by the unpredictable weather at the Gabba. After a delayed start on Day 4, the match was immediately interrupted by rain, with India resuming at 51/4. The interruptions continued through the day, halting play on three separate occasions. The most significant break came after lunch when India had reached 180/6, with Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy at the crease.
The forecast for Day 5 is no better. The possibility of rain continues, with AccuWeather predicting 90% chance of precipitation and thunderstorms in the afternoon. The weather has been humid and cloudy, making conditions uncomfortable for both the players and the spectators. With little play expected on the final day, India and Australia could find themselves sharing points if the match ends in a draw.
India’s Struggle on Day 4: A Recap
The Indian side had a challenging start to the day. Resuming at 51/4, they lost captain Rohit Sharma early, leaving them in a precarious position. However, opener KL Rahul showed resilience, bringing up his 17th Test half-century, playing a patient knock of 139 balls. His knock included eight well-timed fours, but he was dropped early in the day by Steve Smith off Pat Cummins, an opportunity that India couldn’t capitalize on.
Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja continued to showcase his all-round abilities, completing a fifty. Nitish Reddy, at the other end, was holding fort, though the rain interruption left the match in limbo. As play was halted for the third time after lunch, India’s chances of chasing down Australia’s target looked slim.
What India Needs to Do to Stay in the World Test Championship Race
Currently trailing by 265 runs, India faces a daunting task to avoid the follow-on and save the match. They still need 66 more runs to avoid the follow-on, and with rain threatening to curtail play on Day 5, a draw seems the most likely outcome. This result would have serious consequences for India in the race to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
If the third Test ends in a draw, India will be left with an uphill battle. To stay in contention for the WTC final, India would need to win both their remaining matches, in Melbourne and Sydney. If they achieve this, they will secure 60.53% of points, keeping them in the top two, assuming Australia wins their final two games against Sri Lanka. South Africa, the current table-toppers, need only one win from their two games against Pakistan to seal their spot in the final.
The Impact of Weather on India’s World Test Championship Campaign
India’s WTC hopes are closely tied to their performance in this series, and the rain-affected Test has put a spanner in the works. With just one match left in the series, every point counts for India. The likelihood of a draw on Day 5 means that India will have to make up for lost ground in the remaining Tests.
For India to qualify for the WTC final, they need a strong finish in the series. They will have to overcome the challenges of weather and strong Australian opposition, but with their backs against the wall, they must show resilience in the final two Tests. A 2-0 or 2-1 victory could keep them in the hunt for the WTC final.
What’s Next for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
India’s focus will shift to the remaining matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The upcoming Tests in Melbourne and Sydney are crucial for the team’s World Test Championship aspirations. The Indian team will need to make strategic adjustments, especially in the face of weather-related interruptions, to ensure that they do not drop vital points.
With both teams locked in a tight battle for the WTC final, India will need to put their best foot forward in the next matches to keep their hopes alive. Despite the rain delays, the series is far from over, and every ball in the upcoming Tests will be of immense significance to India’s journey toward the WTC final.
Conclusion
As India looks to fight through the challenges posed by rain and a determined Australian side, their World Test Championship ambitions hang by a thread. With the fourth day of the third Test being marred by weather interruptions, India’s focus will now turn to avoiding the follow-on and pushing for a result in the final session. If the match ends in a draw, India will face a tough road ahead to secure a spot in the WTC final, making the next two Tests absolutely critical.
The rain may have disrupted Day 4, but India must remain focused on their remaining opportunities to secure the crucial points they need to advance in the World Test Championship. The fate of the third Test and India’s WTC aspirations now rests on the unpredictable weather and their ability to capitalize on the remaining time on the field.
