Stay tuned for all the updates post-lunch.
The much-anticipated encounter between India and Australia at the Gabba in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy got off to a delayed start, with only 13 overs bowled on the first morning due to persistent rain showers. This was a far from ideal beginning for either side, both of whom understand the importance of this match in determining the series winner and the fate of the World Test Championship. Despite the weather, both teams remain optimistic, knowing that the fast-paced cricket seen so far in this series could lead to an exciting contest, even in a shortened time frame.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and made the surprising decision to bowl first, despite the pitch being traditionally favorable for batting early on. Pat Cummins, the Australian skipper, also admitted that he would have chosen to bowl had he won the toss, suggesting that both teams were keen to make the most of the overcast conditions and the damp pitch.
However, India’s bowlers failed to fully exploit the favorable conditions. The ball didn’t swing as much as expected, and the Australian opening pair of Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney looked comfortable.
3 wickets for Team India, two for Bumrah and 1 for Nitish Reddy.
Australia 104/3
Travis Head has shown exceptional batting and masterclass the way he has been dealing with tight bowling by Bumrah
A low full toss from over the wicket, that's just outside off. Head drives it to the mid-off. The umpire called it a no-ball for overstepping.
Steve Smith saved from a tough call. there's an edge of his bat snicko
It's rare to see a pacer bowl 7 consecutive overs, but that's exactly what Mohammed Siraj is set to do.
Tough luck! It's an umpires call
Nitish Reddy dismisses Labuschange, Virat Kohli takes a stunning catch
Both Siraj and Labuschange exchange couple of words and Siraj goes and switches the bails but Labuschange returns it to their original order.
Siraj is troubling Smith and its near the pads again but India let goes of the review and its a smart decision as the ball was missing the stumps.
Steve Smith is getting set on crease and trying to play some shots now, he looks eager to target Siraj.
The sky is clear and sun is out, Match will keep going in full swing.
Siraj delivers a bouncer, but it's far too high for both Steve Smith and wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant. The ball sails over them, going for 5 wides
Steve and Marnus are trying to build a partnership while Nitish Reddy is looking to pick a wicket.
Mohammed Siraj comes in place of Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah looks at his devastating best!He gets Usman Khawaja early on Day Two. #ausvind pic.twitter.com/X7sj8lyIIv
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 15, 2024
Akashdeep bowls it at back of length, around middle and leg, Steve Smith moves across and it nudges it to square leg
And again its Jasprit Bumrah. He bowls a perfect delivery and it goes straight to the slips.
Bumrah strikes and Usman Khawaja is OUT. Early success for India as Bumrah bowls around the wicket and Khawaja edges it.
India looks strong and hungry to strike early.
Bumrah bowls on a hard length and keeps it around the wicket. A big shout was seen asking for LBW but the height seemed to be a factor there. Khawaja gets the bat out to defend but he is left completely beaten.
Big LBW shout out turned down, Rishabh Pant says "Upar hai thoda"
Good over by Akashdeep! He has kept the bowling tight with the correct line and length.
The 1st hour will be very crucial and India needs to bowl on the perfect line and length in order to make Day 2 count.
The play on Day 2 has resumed and Akashdeep will be continuing his over.
"1st Session should definitely go in India's favour if Rohit Sharma and co if they want to establish their dominance" says Harbhajan Singh
The outfield is fine and the forecast says only scattered showers are expected.
Siraj and Bumrah will be looking to strike early on Day 2. The Australian openers looked settled and their partnership needs to be broken early.
Looks good for a Timely Start!! #gabbatest#ausvind pic.twitter.com/xPLpekidKx
— Satyam Raj (@satyam_raj1) December 14, 2024
The players are currently warming up as they prepare for today’s play. There’s no rain at the moment, and both teams will be hoping for clear skies throughout the day, especially after just 13.2 overs were bowled yesterday.
No Rain & Weather is good & clear at the Gabba.- Great news for Cricket fans..!!!! 👌 pic.twitter.com/8h2VxoXe6N
— Khalid khan (@imkhalidsports) December 14, 2024
Day 2 at The Gabba - The weather looks perfect, a sure full house on a Sunday and the teams looking to get an advantage today. Exciting day ahead #bordergavaskartrophy #thegabba #cricket pic.twitter.com/L5fCFujN34
— Nikhil Kulkarni (@nikhilnk) December 14, 2024
According to AccuWeather, there is a chance of rain before the first session on Day 2, with cloudy skies expected. Showers are forecast to start around 9 AM local time and last for approximately two hours. After that, the rain is expected to ease, leaving behind mostly cloudy conditions with a reduced likelihood of further showers. While we may see some interruptions during the match, there’s still a strong chance for plenty of action. The temperature is expected to range between 24-31 degrees Celsius.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Day 2 of 3rd Test. The first day was suspended due to rain with only 13 overs being bowled. The play on Day 2 will start at 5:20 am so stay tuned for all the live updates.