Live: Rain interruptions disrupt first session of opening day at Gabba
Only 13.2 overs of play was possible in the opening session of play between Australia and India in the third Test.
The opening day of the third Border-Gavaskar Test in Brisbane has been marred by frequent rain interruptions, allowing just 13.2 overs of play in the first session. Australia’s openers have navigated cautiously to reach 28 without loss.
Despite the disruptions, Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja have held firm against probing spells from Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and first-change bowler Akash Deep, ensuring a steady start for the hosts.
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Beginning their innings on the first morning after being put in to bat by Rohit Sharma, the Australian openers negotiated the first half-hour of play, moving to 19/0 (5.3) before covers were called for.
Khawaja moved into double figures (13*) before the delay, with a watchful McSweeney (2*) to this point seeing off the new-ball threat of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
When play resumed, McSweeney and Khawaja maintained their steady approach, weathering the bowlers with composure. However, another rain interruption at the 13-over mark brought proceedings to a halt once again, eventually leading to an early Lunch break.
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The sides are locked at 1-1 in the five-match series, with both teams still to this point in the running for a World Test Championship Final spot, to be played at Lord's in June.
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Rohit Sharma at the toss confirmed two changes from the side that lost in Adelaide, with Akash Deep and Ravindra Jadeja coming in to replace Harshit Rana and Ravichandran Ashwin.
The skipper, who at this stage remains listed to bat in the middle order, was eager to use the opening more conditions to his advantage with ball in hand.
"It's overcast. A little bit of grass and it looks a little soft as well and try and see what we can do with the ball upfront.
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