The much-anticipated third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, pivotal for India’s World Test Championship (WTC) final hopes, faces a significant challenge from the weather. The Gabba in Brisbane, set to host the match starting December 14, has been plagued by heavy rainfall, raising fears of disruptions that could impact the series outcome. After their crushing loss in Adelaide, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team needs a win to stay in the race for the WTC final. However, Brisbane’s unusual December rain could create a massive hurdle for both sides.
Will Brisbane Weather Impact the 3rd Test?
Brisbane has experienced its second-heaviest rainfall of 2024 just days before the Test. Weatherzone predicts a 50% chance of rain and possible thunderstorms on the opening day. While the probability of rain decreases to 40% during the middle days, it jumps to 60% on the final day, December 18. These unpredictable weather conditions, described as “unusual” for this time of year, have sparked concerns about play interruptions and pitch behavior. The Gabba’s seam-friendly surface could make conditions tricky for batsmen, further tilting the balance in favor of bowlers.
India’s previous outing at the Gabba in the 2020/21 series resulted in a historic win, with Rishabh Pant’s match-winning knock cementing their triumph. However, the venue’s fortress reputation for Australia came under scrutiny earlier this year when they suffered a narrow defeat to the West Indies.
How a Washout Could Impact India’s WTC Final Qualification
India’s WTC final aspirations hinge on the outcomes of the remaining Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A washout in Brisbane would result in both teams earning six points each for a draw, making India’s path to the final extremely challenging. They would need outright victories in the last two Tests to stay in contention, as any defeat or draw could eliminate them from the race. Australia, in a relatively better position in the WTC standings, would also need to adapt to the results impacted by rain.
Preparation Amid Adversity
After the 10-wicket loss in Adelaide, the Indian team utilized an extra day to practice at the Oval before arriving in Brisbane. The squad is determined to overcome the weather challenge and replicate their previous Gabba success.
Conclusion: High-Stakes Battle Looms
The third Test at the Gabba is crucial for India’s WTC final hopes, and the unpredictable Brisbane weather adds another layer of complexity. Both teams will need to adapt quickly to the changing conditions to gain an edge in this high-stakes encounter.
