Australia vs India Test 3 Day 3: Weather dominates at the Gabba with time running out

The problematic Brisbane weather is wreaking havoc on the Gabba Test - but it didn’t stop Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc doing some damage of their own on a shellshocked India.

The decision to push Brisbane’s Test into December is in the spotlight after another rain-marred day left Australia with an uphill task to frank four sessions with victory at the Gabba.

Weather again had the decisive say on Monday with just 33.1 overs bowled on day three of the third Test.

The Aussies and India gave their best impression of The Hokey Pokey, coming on and off repeatedly as play was halted no fewer than eight times.

In the brief dry spells, Australia went for the jugular, as Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins ran through the tourists’ top order to leave India languishing at 4-51 when stumps was finally called.

Alex Carey’s freewheeling 70 had earlier helped Australia to 445, meaning India is effectively out of the contest with two days to play.

However more rain is forecast for both Tuesday and Wednesday, heightening the degree of difficulty for the Aussies as they chase a 2-1 series lead heading to the Boxing Day Test needing a series victory to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Brisbane has traditionally hosted the first Test of the home summer - typically in November - but that has changed in recent years with Perth taking the mantle.

That will remain the case next season too, with the day-night Ashes Test at the Gabba locked in for a December 4 start.

Data from the Bureau of Meteorology shows that average rainfall in Brisbane is 131.7mm in December, compared to 99.8mm in November.

Brisbane’s Test future from that point is up in the air, with the Gabba to miss out entirely in 2026-27 amid a backdrop of uncertainty about where Test cricket will be played long-term in the Queensland capital.

The situation has been shaped by the city’s Olympic plans for 2032.

Marsh takes screamer off Starc

Australian all-rounder Mitch Marsh, who produced one of the day’s highlights by plucking a sensational catch at gully to send Shubman Gill on his way off Starc’s bowling, conceded the rain was irritating.

“The on and off stuff’s always frustrating. It’s a big series, we want to get out there and play. Probably more so for the spectators and the fans who show up every day and want to watch,” Marsh said.

“There always can be a lot of rain here. Brisbane and Queensland can get 20mm in an hour. Let’s hope for some sunshine and not too much rain.

“We’re always asking for the radar and what’s happening. Obviously two days to go. I think there’s still plenty of time for a result. But let’s hope that the weather stays away over the next few days.”

Originally published as Australia vs India Test 3 Day 3: Weather dominates at the Gabba with time running out