Rain Disrupts India vs Australia Test Match at Gabba
Day 1 Summary: Rain Interrupts Play After Only 13.2 Overs
The much-anticipated Test match between India and Australia at Brisbane’s Gabba stadium had a frustrating start. Rain disrupted Day 1, leaving players and fans in limbo. After just 13.2 overs of play, the match was called off for the day, with Australia at 28/0. Openers Usman Khawaja (19*) and Nathan McSweeney (4*) remained unbeaten.
Overcast Conditions and Early Bowling Struggles
The day began under heavy clouds. It set the stage for a battle between India’s pace attack and Australia’s batsmen. Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bowl first. He hoped to exploit the overcast conditions. However, the Indian seamers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, were inconsistent early on. They often bowled short.
After a rain delay of 5.3 overs, the Australian openers held firm against some tight bowling.
Rain Forces Multiple Breaks and Early Lunch
After a 30-minute rain delay, play resumed briefly. The Indian bowlers found their rhythm and tightened their lines. Runs dried up. But, before any breakthroughs, the rain returned. It halted play again. By lunch, only 13.2 overs were completed, with Australia scoring at a cautious pace.
The lunch break was taken at 7:50 AM IST/12:20 PM local time, and the downpour showed no signs of letting up.
Afternoon Session Washed Out
Despite The Gabba’s excellent drainage, the rain halted play in the afternoon. Puddles initially formed on the outfield but were quickly cleared. However, the steady rain prevented the groundsmen from removing the covers.
Meteorologists had predicted more showers throughout the day, and their forecast proved accurate. With over 50mm of rain falling by the tea break, the session was officially washed out.
Evening Hope Dashed as Rain Returns
Brief optimism surfaced when live visuals suggested the rain had stopped. Indian players appeared in their whites. Umpires were seen discussing a potential resumption near the boundary ropes. However, light rain soon returned, escalating to steady showers, forcing further delays.
Fans in the stands were patient. But, as conditions worsened, the umpires called off play for the day. The organizers will schedule at least 98 overs per day for the remaining match days, starting at 5:20 AM IST/9:50 AM local time.
