BGT 2024-25: Rain plays spoilsport on Day 1 of the Gabba Test, raises questions over Rohit’s decisions
Xtra Time Web Desk: The much-anticipated Day 1 of the 3rd Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba in Brisbane turned into a damp squib as rain washed out the majority of the play. Only 13.2 overs were possible on Saturday, December 14, before persistent showers forced the day’s action to be called off, leaving fans disappointed.
India entered the contest aiming to recover from their heavy defeat in Adelaide, making two changes to their playing XI. Akash Deep and Ravindra Jadeja replaced Harshit Rana and R Ashwin, who had underperformed in the previous match. On an overcast morning, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl first, banking on favorable conditions for swing and movement.
Early exchanges and weather disruptions
India’s decision to bowl first initially appeared sound as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj opened the attack. However, Australia’s opener Usman Khawaja looked steady at the crease, even pulling Siraj for a boundary amidst crowd boos. Another boundary off Bumrah gave the hosts some early momentum before rain interrupted play.
Read More: BGT 2024-25: Rishabh Pant reflects on recovery struggles ahead of Australia series
After the first rain break, India’s bowlers found better rhythm. Akash Deep’s introduction tightened the run flow, and the line and length improved noticeably. Yet, just as the pressure was building, heavier rain arrived, flooding the Gabba and forcing an early lunch.
Despite the venue’s impressive drainage system clearing much of the water, play couldn’t resume. Australia ended the day at 28/0, with Khawaja and David Warner holding steady.
???? UPDATE
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 14, 2024
Play for Day 1 in Brisbane has been stopped today due to rain.
Play will resume tomorrow and all following days at 09:50 AM local time (5:20 AM IST) with minimum 98 overs to be bowled.#TeamIndia | #AUSvIND
Questions over Rohit Sharma’s decision-making
Rohit Sharma’s call to bowl first has already sparked debate, with many likening it to India’s strategy in the 2023 World Test Championship final. In that match, played under overcast skies at The Oval, Rohit chose to field first, only for conditions to clear up and Australia to dominate with the bat.
On Saturday, a similar pattern emerged as the sun briefly broke through during India’s bowling spell, making the Gabba pitch more conducive to batting. Former players, including Matthew Hayden, expressed surprise at Rohit’s decision. Michael Vaughan remarked on social media that it “felt like a good toss to lose” after just four overs.
Read More: Shakib stirs controversy again and gets banned! What happened this time?
The Gabba’s history also looms large over India. Australia hasn’t lost a match at the venue since 1985 when they were asked to bat first. With the series on the line, Rohit’s choices could come under intense scrutiny if India fails to capitalize on the remaining days.
What lies ahead
With Day 1 washed out, play on Day 2 will commence at 9:50 am local time (5:20 am IST). India will hope for early breakthroughs to regain control, while Australia will aim to extend their unbeaten Gabba streak.
Will Rohit’s gamble pay off, or will it prove costly? The coming days will reveal the answer.
