Gambhir, Rohit Sharma’s WTC Final Ambitions At Risk After ‘Unusual’ Brisbane Incident Before 3rd Australia Test

The Indian cricket team’s aspirations of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final face a potential setback due to “unusual” weather conditions in Brisbane ahead of the third Test against Australia. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series tied at 1-1, the pivotal match at the Gabba, starting Saturday, is at risk of disruption from heavy rainfall.

The touring Indian side, led by Rohit Sharma, arrived in Brisbane on Wednesday after spending an extra day in Adelaide following their 10-wicket loss in the second Test. They were met with overcast skies and significant rainfall, with the city recording its second-highest daily rainfall for 2024. According to Weatherzone, the precipitation was “unusual” for December, making Brisbane the wettest location in Queensland at the time.

Rain Forecast for Gabba Test

Weather predictions suggest rain could impact all five days of the Test. On the opening day, December 14, there is a 50% chance of rain with a “possible thunderstorm.” The likelihood decreases to 40% for the following days but increases to 60% on the final day, December 18, with a forecast of “clearing showers.”

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The damp conditions are also expected to influence the Gabba’s traditionally seam-friendly pitch. Notably, India secured a memorable win at the venue during their 2020/21 tour, driven by Rishabh Pant’s heroics, while Australia suffered a rare defeat earlier this year against the West Indies by just eight runs.

WTC Final Implications of a Washout

If rain results in a washout, India and Australia would share six points each for the drawn Test. This outcome would place India in a precarious position, requiring them to win both remaining matches in the series to keep their WTC final hopes alive. A loss or draw in either game could eliminate them from contention.