BRISBANE, Dec 16, 2024 (V7N)-India found themselves in deep trouble at 48-4 on the rain-hit third day of the third Test against Australia at the Gabba on Monday. Faced with the daunting task of avoiding a follow-on target of 245, India’s batting lineup faltered against Australia's relentless pace attack.

With only 6.5 overs bowled in a stop-start second session due to three rain interruptions, India's hopes of salvaging the match took a further blow when Rishabh Pant was dismissed for 4, edging Pat Cummins to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

At tea, KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 30, joined by captain Rohit Sharma, who is yet to score. However, the grim reality of the scoreboard and more rain looming suggest India's best chance lies in batting out time to force a draw, keeping the series tied 1-1 heading into the Melbourne decider.

Australia Dominate Early

Australia began the day strongly, resuming their first innings at 405-7. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey’s counterattacking 70 helped push their total to 445, with India's bowlers eventually wrapping up the innings. Mohammed Shami was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4-96.

India's reply started disastrously. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood exploited the Gabba's pace and bounce, dismantling the top order.

Yashasvi Jaiswal fell on the second ball of the innings, chipping Starc straight to Mitchell Marsh at square leg after an edgy boundary off the first delivery.

Shubman Gill was next, undone by a sharp Hazlewood delivery that saw Marsh take a stunning diving catch at gully.

Virat Kohli added to India's woes, nicking a full ball from Hazlewood to Carey for just 2.

Rain provided temporary respite, but the pressure mounted when Pant fell after lunch, leaving India staring down the barrel at 44-4.

Rahul Battles On

KL Rahul showed resilience, enduring a painful blow to the wrist from Hazlewood but continuing to fight for his team. His gritty unbeaten 30 was the lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal performance by India’s batting lineup.

Weather Could Be India's Ally

With rain predicted to disrupt the remainder of the match, India's slim hopes may rely on the weather gods to prevent an Australian clean sweep of the Test. However, Australia's bowlers will be eager to exploit any windows of opportunity to enforce the follow-on and push for victory.

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