The ongoing third Test between Australia and India is heading towards a draw as the final day of the game is likely to be marred by rain, according to Australia’s Bureau Meteorology.
A total of just 192 overs could be bowled over four days, with India amassing 252/9 in response to Australia’s first innings total of 445.
India’s batting tail showed remarkable resilience in helping the visitors avoid the follow-on, adding valuable runs in the final minutes of the penultimate day and reducing Australia’s chances of forcing a result.
On the final day, which would comprise a maximum of 98 overs, the hosts would now need to take India’s last wicket, bat around 20 overs to set a target around the 300-run mark and then take around 70 overs to get out India.
But forecast rain serves as a huge obstacle between Australia and a top-seeded victory.
“High probability of rainfall, likely late morning and afternoon,” the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said. “The possibility of a storm, possibly severe.”
Australia assistant coach Daniel Vettori, however, saw the positive side of the rain affecting most of the third Test, as he stated that he retained his star players Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
“The weather, in terms of breaks, allowed Mitch and Patty to come back on a number of occasions, whereas if we had played the full 90 overs it would have been much more difficult to manage.”
“We always have the luxury of Nathan and his ability to bowl a lot of overs. That alleviated some of the worry, but it’s always difficult with a world-class player out,” he added.
