Tue Dec 17 01:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Rain Delays India’s Fight Against Follow-On in Brisbane Test
**Brisbane, Australia:** The fourth day of the third Test match between India and Australia at the Gabba has been repeatedly disrupted by rain, hampering India’s efforts to avoid the follow-on. Resuming at 51/4, India’s hopes rested on KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma.
Rahul, who played a crucial role in avoiding a follow-on, reached his half-century, scoring 62 runs before being dismissed by Nathan Lyon. Rohit Sharma, after a slow start, fell to Pat Cummins for 10 runs. Ravindra Jadeja also contributed a valuable half-century (57), his 22nd in Test cricket and sixth against Australia, in a crucial partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy who scored 16 before being dismissed by Pat Cummins.
Despite Jadeja’s and Rahul’s efforts, India struggled against the Australian bowling attack. India ended the day at 201/7, still needing to prevent the follow-on. The match has been repeatedly interrupted by heavy showers, leading to several lengthy delays and breaks in play. The persistent rain has made conditions extremely challenging for both teams.
Australia, having declared their first innings at 445, are in a commanding position. The head-to-head record between the two teams at the Gabba favors Australia significantly, with India having only won one of the seven Tests played there. India made two changes to their playing XI from the previous match, bringing in Ravindra Jadeja and Akash Deep, while Australia replaced Scott Boland with Josh Hazlewood.
The ongoing rain threatens to further impact the remaining play, leaving the outcome of the Test hanging in the balance. India’s fight to avoid the follow-on will continue on the fifth day if the weather permits.
First Piper 