Brisbane: A heavy downpour frustrated Australia on day two of the fourth test decider in Brisbane yesterday, with play abandoned after tea and India spared from resuming on 62 for two in reply to the home side’s first innings 369.
India number three Cheteshwar Pujara was eight not out, with stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane on two at the teabreak before a storm broke over the Gabba.
With more rain forecast over the remaining days, Australia may have little time to bowl India out twice and seal the series 2-1.
Home captain Tim Paine betrayed his displeasure in an animated discussion with the field umpires after they inspected the field and called off proceedings.
“No doubt disappointing to the spectators,” Australia assistant coach Andrew McDonald told reporters.
“It would have been nice to get some play there...but the decision was made by the officials and that’s their role.”
India will have been more than happy to turn in early.
The tourists only need to draw the test to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, two years after their breakthrough 2-1 series win in Australia in 2018/19.
To emerge with a tied series would be a massive achievement for Rahane’s side, which has battled a mounting injury toll throughout and lacked a single first-choice bowler to call on in Brisbane.
India’s reply began shakily after lunch, with the relentless Pat Cummins having opener Shubman Gill caught in the slips for seven. Rohit and Pujara built a 49-run partnership before the former threw away his wicket for 44 when he attacked Lyon and top-edged to Starc at long-on.