Draw, win or washout: What to expect on final day of IND vs AUS 3rd Test?

With the play stopped at the moment, the Aussies could possibly forfeit their innings without facing a single delivery and push for a win if the weather allows for at least one session to be played.

With the weather forecast predicting stop-start proceedings on the final day of the 3rd Test match between India and Australia, the Aussies were in a hurry to get that final wicket and bowl out the visitors as soon as possible. That is exactly what they did, as Travis Head's over saw Akash Deep get dismissed, with India being restricted to 260 runs early in the morning. They still trail by 185 runs on the final day.

 

However, the Aussies couldn't begin their innings despite rushing back to the dressing room at the innings break, as play was stopped due to lightning. With the forecast proving pretty accurate for today, it eventually started to rain heavily at the Gabba, and the conditions look bleak for a restart anytime soon.

 

  Check India vs Australia 3rd Test Day 5 LIVE SCORE, MATCH UPDATES AND FULL SCORECARD HERE

 

India’s slender hope: A miracle in the making?

  For India, the plan was clear from the start of the day: play for the draw. Losing their final wicket early in the day meant that the bowling contingent had to be ready to tackle the Aussie batters, who would have come out all guns blazing if it weren't for the inclement weather. 

The weather wildcard 

The heavy rain could be seen as a blessing in disguise for the Indians, who would have hoped for more and more delays in the proceedings, which would make their pursuit of a draw more and more possible on the day.

 

The likely outcome of India vs Australia 3rd Test 

 

With the play stopped at the moment, the Aussies could possibly forfeit their innings without facing a single delivery and push for a win if the weather allows for at least one session of cricket on the day.

 

However, the Aussies would have to be wary of India's big hitters, as the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant could step up and stack up the runs in order to spring an upset on Day 5 as well. It will be interesting to see how the hosts react to the situation at hand and whether or not they decide to risk it all for a win.

     

  How Brisbane weather could affect the IND vs AUS 3rd Test result?     Day 3 of the 3rd Test between India and Australia saw the Australian fast bowlers put India in trouble, reducing them to 51-4 by stumps, with more rain interruptions. On the fourth morning, India was 167-6 at lunch, but rain caused another delay. After play resumed, India finished the day on 252/9, successfully avoiding the follow-on.  

With the play being stopped due to heavy rain on Day 5, it is likely that there won't be any long spell of cricket today as well, eventually making it impossible for both the teams to churn out a result in their favour in the end.

 

IND vs AUS 3rd Test Day 5 Brisbane weather forecast on December 18

 

AccuWeather forecasts a cloudy and highly humid day, with a few thunderstorms expected in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is forecasted to be 90% (25% in the morning, rising to 90% in the afternoon), along with a 54% likelihood of thunderstorms. Additionally, a minor flood warning is in effect until 12:39 PM on the fifth day. 

Day 5

 

In contrast, BBC Weather predicts a much drier outlook, with only a 9% chance of rain at 10 AM. The likelihood of rain increases as the day progresses, but it doesn't exceed 50% until after 5 PM.

 

Weather.com offers a similar forecast, with a 35% chance of rain at 10 AM, rising to 97% by 1 PM. By 3 PM, the chance drops to 82%, and it remains below 50% only after 5 PM.