The final day of the Gabba Test in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises that rain could significantly impact the outcome, much like the bat and ball. India finds itself 193 runs behind Australia's first-innings total of 445, yet the team holds optimism following a crucial last-wicket partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, which helped avoid the follow-on. Despite disappointing performances from the top order, half-centuries from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja provided the necessary support, making the follow-on threshold of 245 runs a vital statistic rather than the actual score difference.
The unexpected 39-run stand by Bumrah and Akash Deep at 213/9 elicited jubilant reactions from the Indian bench, ensuring that Australia would have to bat again. However, chasing a target of around 190 runs seems daunting for the struggling Indian side. A win appears improbable, and unless rain intervenes, a draw may be the best outcome.
According to forecasts for Wednesday in Brisbane, the weather should remain mostly clear until noon, with minimal rain expected. However, conditions are predicted to worsen around 1 PM local time, coinciding with the transition into the second session. By this time, the likelihood of precipitation is expected to increase significantly, with thunderstorms anticipated from 2 PM to 5 PM, potentially hindering play. As twilight approaches, the storms and rain are expected to subside.