IND vs AUS. 3rd Test: Rain plays spoilsport on Day 4, what it means for India?

India vs Australia 3rd Test Day 4: Rain continued to haunt both India and Australia as it stopped play twice on the fourth day of the ongoing third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane on Tuesday. The first interruption came at the 31st over of the Indians innings at 6:40 AM IST before it came down heavily post lunch. India were 180/6 after lunch on Tuesday when the rain forced the players back in the dressing room for the third time. As the visitors continue their struggle to regain ground Down Under, rain in Brisbane is adding to India's woes. 

With the forecast of rain already there on the fourth day, there are predictions of rain on the fifth day as well on Wednesday. Unlike the previous days, the India vs Australia match began a little early at 4:50 AM IST on December 17. According to AccuWeather.com, there was a 49% chance of precipitation between 8 AM and 10 AM (local time) in Brisbane.

India vs Australia weather forecast

Expectedly, rain played its part early morning on Tuesday with a possibility of rainfall in the city is higher later in the day. There is no respite on the fifth and final day as well with 90% chances of rain and 54% chances of thunderstorms. The weather will be cloudy and uncomfortably humid with the thunderstorms in the afternoon.

India vs Australia 3rd Test Day 4 score

Resuming the day at 51/4, India lost their skipper Rohit Sharma (10) early, but opener KL Rahul held on to the other end, bringing up his 17th Test half-century off 85 balls.

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja completed his fifty while Nitish Reddy was batting on 8 when the rain gods opened up once again. Earlier, Rahul was dropped on the first ball of the day by Steve Smith off Pat Cummins. The Indian hit eight fours during his 139-ball knock.

What India need to do? 

As things stand, India trail by 265 runs and need 66 more runs to avoid the follow on. As it seems, the match is heading towards a draw with little play possible on the final day on Wednesday. In that case both India and Australia will get four points each. Not only it dents India's chances in the race for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, but also makes the road tougher for the visitors. 

In case the third Test ends in a draw, India will have an uphill task of winning both their remaining games to make it to the final. If India can win in Melbourne and Sydney, they will reach 60.53 PCT, which will be enough for Rohit Sharma's men to stay in the top two even if Australia win their final two games against Sri Lanka. South Africa are currently the table-toppers in WTC standings and need just one win in two games against Pakistan to cement their final spot.