Australia vs India Border-Gavaskar Trophy, 2024/25, Full Score Card

This is on a length, on the off-stump line, Rahul waits on the back foot and dabs it wide of point for a single.

Angling into the pads, on a length, Jaiswal clips it along the ground but picks out the man at mid-wicket.

Pitched up by Cummins, at the stumps, Rahul shows the full face of the bat and just eases the drive to the left of mid on. A long chase for the mid on fielder who manages to cut it off. Rahul gets off the mark with three runs!

On the fuller side but the length is on leg, Rahul misses the flick shot and wears it on the front pad. Half a shout for LBW but that is going down leg.

Zeroing in on the off stump, on a good length, Rahul hangs back and defends it right under his eyes.

Oh, that's a beauty from Pat! Bowls a scrambled seam delivery, angling in and then nipping away, on off, Rahul presents a straight bat to keep it out but gets beaten on the outside edge due to the movement off the deck.

Drop and run! Cummins begins from around the wicket and lands it on the off-stump line, on a good length, Jaiswal taps it beside the pitch on the off side and calls Rahul through for a quick single.

With the ominous cloud cover creeping ever closer, casting a shadow over the ground and it getting darker by the second, Pat Cummins is ready to steam in from the other end.

Closer to the off-stump line, on a good length, Rahul is tempted into playing it but he does well not to go chasing the delivery. Tucks his bat inside the line and sees the ball go past him.

Pushed across the batter, on a back of a length, KL Rahul holds his bat high up and makes the leave.

Jaiswal and India are underway! Sliding onto the pads, on a length, at 141.9 kph, Jaiswal lets the ball come to him and flicks it between mid-wicket and mid on. Nathan McSweeney gives it a chase and mops it up. Three runs taken.

Fuller in length from Starc, on middle, Jaiswal gets himself on the front foot and firms the drive to mid on.

This zips through in the probing channel on off and the length is also pulled back, Jaiswal has a feel for the delivery initially but then withdraws his bat.

Attacking the stumps from over the wicket, a hint of late away shape, on a good length, Jaiswal takes a couple of steps down the track and defends it with a straight bat.

Honing in at the stumps from around the wicket, on a good length, Carey flicks it in front of square on the leg side for a run. Australia lead by 274 runs!

At the stumps, on a length, Carey drops it beside the pitch on the leg side and looks for a single but Bumrah is quick to get to the ball and prevents the single.

Goes full does Bumrah, on off, Starc lofts it over the bowler's head and crosses over.

On a back of a length, on middle, Carey tucks it in the vacant mid-wicket region and gets to the other end.

This is on a good length, seaming away a touch, on off, Starc looks to defend it with a straight bat. Gets it off the outer half of the bat to the right of backward point for a run.

Mitchell Starc makes his way out to bat next!

OUT! CAUGHT! The fun is over for Cummins! Bumrah starts from over the wicket and slips in a slower delivery, on off, Cummins stays low to make the connection and sets himself up to go back over the bowler's head. Gets deceived by the slowness of the delivery and the ball goes straight up off the bottom part of the bat. KL Rahul at cover, runs over his right shoulder and takes the catch. Australia lose their 7th wicket with a lead of 270 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah is back into the attack! He has a quick word with the umpire to check the shape of the ball, which comfortably passes through the gauge. With that sorted, Bumrah strides back to the top of his mark, ready to charge in at Cummins.

Banged in short, at the left shoulder of the batter, Carey tries to help the pull away but misses.

Gets the yorker in does Siraj, on middle and leg, Cummins squeezes it out off the inner half of the bat to deep square leg for one.

SIX Pace taken off by Siraj, on a nagging length, on middle, Cummins looks to loft it with a straight bat. The ball gets skied off the toe end of the bat but it goes right in between deep mid-wicket and wide long on. Jadeja runs to his right from wide long on but the ball evades him. It hits the boundary cushions on the full for a six.

FOUR! Dispatched with disdain! Short of a length, on off, Cummins gets it at a good height as he backs away and flat bats it up and over mid on for a boundary.

Slanting in, on off, on a length, Cummins clears his front leg and goes for a hack across the line. Gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Not in control but Carey gets away with it! Siraj bangs it into the deck, on off, Carey tries to take the short ball but the ball gets big on him. It lobs and drops right in between mid-wicket and mid on. Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah converge but the ball lands right in between them. The batters cross.

On a hard length, over middle, Carey hangs on the back foot and nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.

Angling away, on a back of a length, on off, Carey hangs back and dabs it down in front of cover.

Deep follows the batter as he sees him backing away, on a nagging length, Pat adjusts well and fends it down on the off side.

SIX! Hammered! Akash Deep had hit Cummins last evening for a six and he returns the favour! Short and over off, Pat Cummins backs away a bit and pulls it off the lower half of his bat but gets more than enough to get the ball sailing over mid-wicket for a biggie.

FOUR! Cracked by the Aussie skipper! On a fuller length, on off, Pat Cummins stands tall and tonks it over mid off for a boundary.

Good length, into the pads, Alex Carey clips it to deep square leg for one.

Full and on middle and leg, Pat Cummins moves to his leg side and pushes it out towards cover.

Short and outside off, Pat Cummins has a wild swing but connects thin air.

Drinks break! Well, Australia have been aggressive in their approach and in doing so, they have lost wickets along the way. However, with dark clouds looming overhead, it seems unlikely that we’ll be able to stay on the park for too much longer. The hosts currently have a lead of 245 runs. Pat Cummins joins Alex Carey out in the middle.

OUT! CAUGHT! Travis Head holes out. Another short one from Siraj, this time around middle and off, hit the deck kind of delivery. Travis Head looks to pull but the ball just gets big on him and lobs off the upper half to the gully region. Rishabh Pant calls for the catch and quickly moves across to take it with ease. Australia lose their 6th for 60 runs with a lead of 245 runs.

Back of a length, on middle, Travis Head winds up for a big pull shot but miscues it off his toe end but manages to get enough to get it over mid on for a couple of runs.

On a length, on off, Alex Carey taps it to cover and sets off for a quick single. KL Rahul charges at the ball, collects it in his right hand and tries to hit the bullseye at the batting end but misses.

Short of a length, over middle, Travis Head makes room and punches it to deep point for a single.

FOUR! THRASHED! Goes fuller this time, wide outside off, angles away from over the wicket, Alex Carey gets on the front foot and slams it on the up, wide of cover for a boundary.

Short of a length, around leg, the ball climbs onto the batter, Alex Carey tries to tickle but it comes off the gloves wide of deep fine leg for a couple of runs.

FOUR LEG BYES! Akash Deep serves it fuller, around leg, from over the wicket, Alex Carey goes for a flick but misses it. The ball kisses the pads and runs away to the boundary wide of deep fine leg.

Back of a length, outside off, angles away, Travis Head pulls it wide of square leg for a single.

Short of a length, down the leg side, from over the wicket, Travis Head doesn't offer any shot at it as the ball goes to the keeper who takes it to his right.

A tight single! Comes from around the wicket, hard length, around off, Alex Carey walks down the track and pats it to mid off and runs off. The fielder throws at the non striker's end but misses it.

On a good length, on middle and off, Travis Head blocks it to cover.

Drags the length by a bit to Head and keeps it around off and shaping away, Travis Head looks to play at it away from his body but gets beaten on the outside edge through to the keeper. There seemed to be a noise as the ball went past the bat and Mohammed Siraj was briefly interested but nobody else backed up.

Angles it into the batter, on a length, Alex Carey fails to tuck it across and the ball goes off his pads in front of the bowler to his left. The batters steal a leg bye as Siraj quickly mops it up.

Goes very full and keeps it outside off, Alex Carey firms his drive but can't beat mid off.

Full and on off, Alex Carey taps it to mid on.

FOUR! Beautiful shot from Carey! Width offered by Siraj, outside off, fuller in length, Alex Carey cracks his drive through covers with elegance to get himself and his team four more runs.

The sun has disappeared as clouds have rolled over the stadium.

Short of a length, around middle, seaming in, the ball climbs onto the batter, Alex Carey wears it on the thigh pad as he tries to keep it down. They get leg bye as the ball rolls towards point.

On a good length, around off, angles in, Alex Carey comes forward and drives it wide of cover for a couple of runs as the fielder chases it comfortably.

Ooh! Hard length, just outside off, angling in and straightening off the deck, Alex Carey gets beaten on the outside edge from the front foot.

Short of a length, around middle, Travis Head pulls it wide of square leg for a single.

On a good length, around middle, nips back in, Travis Head keeps it down with ease.

Goes fuller, from around the wicket, around middle, angles in, Travis Head flicks it and his one hand leaves the handle of the bat. The ball goes wide of mid on and they take a couple of runs.

Alex Carey walks out to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Smith is strangled down leg by Siraj and his happiness knows no bounds! A brilliant take from Rishabh Pant sees Smith trudge back for just 4 runs as Australia lose half their side. Back of a length, angling down leg, Steven Smith stays rooted in the crease and looks to tickle it down leg but only manages to get a feather of an inside edge that brushes the thigh and flies to the left of the keeper. Rishabh Pant does exceptionally well to dive to that side with fully stretched hands and snaffles it in. Australia are 33/5, leading by 218 runs.

The sun is shining but dark clouds are lurking ominously in the distance.

FOUR! A counter punch from Steven Smith! On a good length, on middle and off, Smith steps down to the pitch of the ball and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

On a good length, on off, Steven Smith pushes it to mid off.

Very full, on middle and off, Steven Smith shuffles and looks for a booming drive with a straight bat but miscues it one off the inner half of his bat falling short of Shubman Gill at short mid-wicket.

Spears it full, on leg, Travis Head clips it to the left of mid on where Devdutt Padikkal is quick to move and dives to his left to cut it off, keeping it down to just a single.

Comes back into the attack and angles one across Head, outside off and on a length, Travis Head looks to cut it square on the off side but misses.

Ends with a full ball, around off, angling in, Steven Smith keeps it off with ease.

Steven Smith is in at number 6.

OUT! GONE! CAUGHT BEHIND! Australia are four down! Akash Deep gets his second! Back of a length from over the wicket, just outside off, straightens off the deck, Mitchell Marsh tries to play a back foot punch with no feet movement. He tries to withdraw his bat but it is too late by then. The ball kisses the outside edge and goes straight to the keeper Rishabh Pant who takes a simple catch. Mitchell Marsh departs after scoring just 2 runs.

Good length, around middle, Travis Head comes down the track to play at it. Gets an inside edge that rolls down to deep fine leg for a single.

Good length, around off, angles in, Mitchell Marsh goes for a back foot punch and gets an inside edge wide of deep fine leg for a single.

Hard length, around middle and leg, shapes in, Mitchell Marsh looks to flick it away but the ball nips back in and gets beaten on the inside edge again. Marsh wears it on the pads. A mild appeal for LBW but it is clearly going down leg.

BEATEN! Goes fuller from over the wicket, just outside off, nips back in sharply, Mitchell Marsh goes for an expansive drive but stays rooted in the crease and gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball zips past the off stump.

FOUR! All class on that one! Jasprit Bumrah drags the length back and keeps it just outside off. Travis Head waits for the ball to arrive to him and opens the bat face to punch it past backward point to his right.

Full again, on off, Travis Head firms his drive but straight to cover.

FOUR! That's Travis Head for you! Cracking shot to get off the mark after a couple of nervy deliveries to start the innings! Full and on middle and leg, Travis Head flicks it in front of square on the leg side and gets a boundary.

Angles it into the batter, on a back of a length, around the hips, Mitchell Marsh tucks it behind square on the leg side and gets a single to go off the mark.

Fuller and into the stumps, Mitchell Marsh blocks.

Angling in, at the stumps, on a length, Marsh presses forward in defence.

NO BALL! Jasprit Bumrah oversteps again! Keeps it on a back of a length, outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone.

Hard length, attacking the stumps, Travis Head manages to turn it across to mid-wicket. An excellent first-over from Akash Deep!

In the air, but falls just short! All of a sudden there's a lot of nerves around the Australian batters. On a length, around off, Travis Head looks to go for a lofted stroke but the ball is not full enough. He chips it aerially but luckily for him, it falls short of Gill at mid off. The ball dips in front of Gill as he attempts a dive ahead.

So nearly got the better of Head! Angling in, on a good length from around the wicket angle around middle and off, Travis Head with absolutely no foot movement looks to punch it away on the off side but the ball nips back in. Gets an inside edge back onto his pads.

Travis Head makes his way out to the centre.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Akash Deep joins the fray and gets a wicket off his very first over. Australia three down now for just 16! Short of a length, well outside off, Nathan McSweeney for once goes fishing at it and plays away from his body with an angled bat. The ball does not rise as much as McSweeney expected. Gets a faint bottom edge that goes straight to Rishabh Pant, the keeper.

Shorter in length and angling down leg, Nathan McSweeney leaves it alone.

The pacers are all on the charge! Akash Deep starts from over the wicket and hits the length, on middle and off, and gets it to nips back in a long way almost cutting McSweeney into halves and whizzing past the inside edge to the keeper.

Makes the batter poke at a delivery outside off, angling in and shaping away only to go past the outside edge. End of another probing over from Bumrah!

Bangs it short outside off, Mitchell Marsh makes another leave.

Short of a length, outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone.

Wow, that's a peach from Bumrah! Angles it in, on a good length, puts extra effort to hit the deck hard and gets the ball to straighten off the deck, from off, Mitchell Marsh is squared up as he looks to keep it out and the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

On a length, at the stumps, Mitchell Marsh blocks it to covers.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Jasprit Bumrah is on a roll here! Australia are two down in a jiffy! An uncanny shot from Marnus Labuschagne who so often bats with patience but has to depart for just a run. Jasprit Bumrah keeps it short of a good length and well outside off, shaping away just a touch off the deck. Marnus Labuschagne hangs back and looks to cut it square on the off side but gets an outside edge that goes straight into the mitts of Rishabh Pant behind the stumps. Bumrah now has the most wickets by an Indian in Test cricket in Australia with 52 wickets, going past Kapil Dev's tally of 51.

Mitchell Marsh walks in at number 4.

NO BALL! Jasprit Bumrah has overstepped! Serves it full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne drives it to mid off.

Lands it on a hard length, around off and gets it to nip back in, probably off the crack. Nathan McSweeney is cramped in the crease and gets hit on the pad. An appeal from Siraj alone for LBW but turned down.

Very full at the stumps, Nathan McSweeney turns it around to mid-wicket.

Angles it into the stumps, on a good length, Marnus Labuschagne stays back and tucks it off the inner half of his bat to fine leg for a single to get off the mark.

Outside off, on a fuller than a good length, Marnus Labuschagne lets it go past.

Continues to keep it fuller in length, on off, Marnus Labuschagne offers a solid front foot block.

Very full from Siraj, on off, Marnus Labuschagne drives it to mid off, off the cue end of his bat.

A bit more width outside off, let alone by McSweeney.

Nice delivery! Just outside off, right in that channel of uncertainty, on a length, Nathan McSweeney watches the ball closely and makes a confident leave.

Bashes the deck hard, on a back of a length, angling in on middle and leg, Marnus Labuschagne ducks under it and Rishabh Pant fails to grab it cleanly to his left allowing the batters to get a bye off it.

Full and on off, Nathan McSweeney just nudges it in front of cover and steals another quick run. This is good batting from the youngster!

Stays back this time to a length delivery on off and works it to backward point.

Advances down the track to a good-length delivery, on off and blocks it back to Bumrah.

Tap and run! Length, on off, Nathan McSweeney just taps it in front of the fielder at cover and scampers in a quick single.

Brings the line a bit closer to that off-stump and keeps it on a length, Nathan McSweeney punches it straight to cover.

Outside off, on a good length, Nathan McSweeney is firm on his decision to let all these go past.

Angling in, on a length, at the stumps, Nathan McSweeney tucks it across in front of mid-wicket.

Hard length, on middle and off, Nathan McSweeney covers the line of the ball and dead bats it down the deck.

Outside off, on a good length, Nathan McSweeney sees the ball go through and offers nothing at it.

A bit fuller than the previous one and at the stumps, Marnus Labuschagne defends it well.

On a good length, just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it.

Marnus Labuschagne walks in at number 3.

OUT! TIMBER! Jasprit Bumrah has cleaned Khawaja up and has claimed him for the fourth time in this series! Steams in and hits the deck on a perfect length, around off and angles it into the batter, Usman Khawaja looks to play at it with a straight bat but misses on the inside edge. The ball sneaks through and deflects off his back pad to clatter into the off stump.

Another appeal for LBW, a bit more convincing this time but turned down! Angling in, on a length and nipping back into the batter, around middle and leg, Nathan McSweeney shuffles across a bit to help it away. The ball goes past the inside edge and clips his pad to roll behind for a leg bye. The Indian players converge but decide not to challenge it.

Tries to put the bowler off his length by charging down the deck early but Bumrah keeps it outside off and hits the deck hard with some extra zip off the deck. McSweeney adjusts and lets it go past.

A stifled appeal for LBW, but it seemed to be a bit high! Back of a good length, on off and nipping back in a long way. Nathan McSweeney is beaten on the inside edge and gets hit high on the front pad.

Nice delivery to end the over. On a tight length, just outside off, with a hint of shape taking the ball away from Khawaja who has a feel for it but misses on the outside edge.

Drags the length down does Siraj, down leg, Usman Khawaja leaves it alone.

FOUR! Glorious from Khawaja! Not a bad ball from Siraj but a touch fuller, on off. Usman Khawaja leans a bit and cracks his straight drive past mid off to his left and gets another boundary.

Angles this one into the left-hander on a back of a length, into the hips, Usman Khawaja hops back and dabs it in front of mid-wicket.

Outside off, on a good length, left alone by Khawaja.

FOUR! What a way to start the inning for Khawaja! Mohammed Siraj steams in from around the wicket and offers width, outside off, on a length. Usman Khawaja waits for the ball to arrive, gets on top of his toes and punches it through cover-point for a boundary to get going.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Mohammed Siraj.

Fires in a straight one this time, does Bumrah, on middle and leg, McSweeney shuffles a touch and tucks it to square leg.

Just outside off, on a length, Nathan McSweeney shoulders arms again.

Great delivery and an even better leave! On a fuller length, just outside off, Nathan McSweeney trusts the line and the bounce, keeps his eyes locked on the ball and holds his bat high making a leave.

Goes very full, at the stumps, shaping away, Nathan McSweeney opens the bat face and just guides it past gully for a couple of runs to get underway!

Keeps the line similar and pushes it a bit fuller, Nathan McSweeney is happy to let it pass.

Starts from over the wicket and lands it outside off, on a length with a hint of away shape, Nathan McSweeney leans ahead but leaves it alone to go past to the keeper.

OUT! STUMPED! Carey appeals for a stumping! The umpires have gone upstairs to see whether it is out or not! The Australians think they have got their man! Travis Head fires it full and outside off, from around the wicket, Akash Deep strides out to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge as it goes to the keeper. Alex Carey dislodges the bails in no time as he collects the ball. The replays show that there was nothing behind the line and all Akash Deep could manage was to have his back leg on the line, but not any part of it was behind it which makes it an easy decision for the third umpire who deems it OUT. India are then finally bundled out for 260 runs and the 47-run stand for that last wicket is broken by Head. Australia now have a lead of 185 runs!

Short, down the leg, turns in sharply, Akash Deep wants to pull it from the back foot but he misses.

Goes fuller this time, around off, turns in, Akash Deep guides it to point from the front foot.

Drags his length, around leg, Akash Deep doesn't offer any shot.

Flatter, full outside off, from around the wicket, Akash Deep gets underneath and chips it over the head of mid off for a couple of runs.

Tossed up, fuller and on middle, Bumrah gets down for the slog sweep but gets it off the inner half of the bat and it goes only as far as backward square leg.

Pushed across, short and on off, Deep hangs back to defend. Gets it off the outer half of the bat to the left of backward point for one.

Flatter and fuller, at the stumps, Deep presses forward to keep it out.

Attacking the stumps, on a nagging length, Deep lunges to block it out.

Turning into the pads, on a nagging length, Deep looks to defend as he gets on the front foot. The ball brushes his glove and gets stuck in the flap of the pad. He takes the ball in his hand and drops it down at his feet.

An appeal for a catch but the umpire turns it down! Cummins has gone for a review here! Tossed up, around middle and leg, turns in, Akash Deep looks to defend it by coming down the track but he misses the line of the ball and wears it on the pads. It lobs off the front pad and Travis Head catches it at short leg. He survives as the UltraEdge shows no bat.

Lobbed off the pad and taken at short leg. Has it made any contact with the bat? The UltraEdge shows a flat line. It will stay NOT OUT!

Ends with a hard length, around off, seaming in, Jasprit Bumrah gets a top edge when he looks to defend it my moving across that falls just ahead of him.

Goes fuller this time, but down the leg, nips back in sharply, Jasprit Bumrah wants to flick it but misses the line of the ball as it goes to the keeper.

On a good length, around middle and leg, angles in, Jasprit Bumrah fends it back to the bowler with ease.

A jaffa! Back of a length, just outside off, deviates away after pitching, Jasprit Bumrah gets beaten on the outside edge as he hangs back to block it out.

Hard length, outside off, Akash Deep dabs it wide of point for a quick single.

BEATEN! Good length, just outside off, from over the stumps, straightens out from the deck, Akash Deep gets beaten on the outside edge in trying to defend it.

Pushed through at 84.9 kph, fuller and on off, Bumrah plants his front foot across and defends it out on the off side.

Angled across, short and on off, Bumrah is deep in his crease to stab it down.

FOUR BYES! Nathan Lyon gives air to the full ball, around middle and leg, turns in sharply, Jasprit Bumrah goes for a sweep shot by going on one knee but misses as the ball bounces a bit and spins past him. It goes behind the stumps even beating the keeper for a boundary.

Short, on off, turns in, Jasprit Bumrah fends it with the full face of the bat.

Again short, around middle, Jasprit Bumrah dabs it back to the bowler from the back foot.

Comes from around the wicket, short, around middle, turns in, Jasprit Bumrah keeps it down to short leg.

It will be spin in the form of Nathan Lyon from the other end. 21-0-54-1 so far for Lyon.

Cummins begins from over the wicket, bowls it on a hard length, on off, angles in from over the wicket, Akash Deep opens up and guides it to gully with ease.

All set to get going. It is a cloudy but, more importantly, a dry morning at The Gabba as Pat Cummins leads his troops out to the middle. Cummins has one ball left in his 21st over. Akash Deep will be on strike.

Weather? Not looking great. There's are high chances of showers throughout the day, and there is a possibility of a thunderstorm. The overcast conditions could test the batters while offering plenty for the bowlers.  But we stay hopeful for some uninterrupted play today. The pitch still has enough in it for the bowlers, so expect the ball to do a bit in these conditions. Stay tuned because, rain or shine, the final day promises drama, grit, and maybe a twist or two.

For India, it's been an uphill battle since Steven Smith and Travis Head's centuries laid a solid foundation for Australia’s first-innings total of 445. Apart from Bumrah's six-wicket haul brilliance, the visitors have struggled in their bowling. Today, India will aim to bat as long as possible, frustrate the Australians, and push the match towards a draw.

Australia, however, will be looking to force a result. They'll want to wrap up this final Indian wicket quickly in the morning session, then pile on runs at a brisk pace to set an unassailable target. Memories of India's heroic chase at this venue in the last series might still haunt the Aussies, so they'll be cautious. The loss of Josh Hazlewood to a calf injury means they'll rely heavily on Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to get the job done with the ball.

Hello and welcome to The Gabba in Brisbane for the final day of the third Test match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Barring the second day, the other three days have been rain affected and now, the stage is set for what could be an intriguing conclusion to this contest. India will resume their first inning at 252/9, thanks to a gritty last-wicket stand between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, which has ensured they avoid the follow-on. But let’s be real, the clock is ticking, and with two innings still to go, a draw seems the most likely outcome.

... DAY 5, SESSION 1 ...

With India successfully avoiding the follow-on, this match remains intriguingly poised, and anything can happen. India trails by 193 runs, while Australia is just one wicket away from getting back to bat. While the weather forecast for Day 5 suggests potential interruptions, which could lead us towards a draw, the excitement from Day 4 has injected a renewed sense of anticipation for the final day of this riveting Test match. Just like today, Day 5 will begin with a 30-minute early start, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 11.50 pm GMT (5.20 am IST). Be sure to tune in early for all the buildup as we head into what promises to be an exciting final day! Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Then came in Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, who applied themselves brilliantly under pressure. Both showed great resilience, never looking flustered in the middle. Slowly but steadily, they chipped away at the deficit, frustrating Pat Cummins and the Australian attack as they inched closer to the follow-on target. Despite the mounting tension, India managed to avoid the follow-on, just as bad light threatened to end the day's play.

Australia bowled with discipline and skill, but the absence of Josh Hazlewood ruled out with a calf injury, was a noticeable void in their attack. Pat Cummins, however, led from the front with pinpoint precision and smartly rotated his bowlers, ensuring India never got away with any big partnerships. Every time Australia needed a breakthrough, it was Cummins who delivered, shaking up India’s momentum with a masterful spell. The visitors managed to snatch 3 wickets for just 19 runs at a critical stage, leaving India in all sorts of trouble as they desperately aimed to knock off the remaining 33 runs to avoid the follow-on with just a wicket left.

It was clear that India approached Day 4 with a much more positive mindset, showing a decided effort to leave deliveries outside the off-stump, a strategy that paid off in the way they began. KL Rahul picked up right where he had left off overnight, and despite the early loss of skipper Rohit Sharma, he found solid support from Ravindra Jadeja. Together, the duo stitched a crucial 67-run partnership, steadying Indian nerves and inching closer to the 246-run mark to avoid the follow-on. After KL Rahul's dismissal - courtesy of a stunning redemption catch from Steven Smith, who had earlier dropped him on the very first ball of the day, Nitish Kumar Reddy stepped in to join Jadeja. The pair built another valuable partnership of 53 runs, further easing the pressure on India and showcasing resilience.

STUMPS HAVE BEEN CALLED! And that, folks, is Test cricket at its absolute finest! After days of gloomy skies and rain interruptions, today’s action more than made up for the wait. It was pure box-office entertainment, with India showing incredible grit and determination to avoid the follow-on. The spirited fightback from the lower middle order was nothing short of remarkable, helping India end Day 4 on a high and keeping their hopes alive of potentially saving the game. What a turnaround and what a day of Test cricket! Bring on Day 5!

UPDATE - 7.51 am GMT (1.21 pm IST) - Uh oh! The umpire brings out the light meter to check the fading light and deems it unfit to continue! Remember, the reading taken back on Day 3 serves as the benchmark for the rest of the game, and play cannot continue below that level.

Back of a length, around middle, angling in, Akash Deep fends it back to the bowler.

SIX! WOW! WHAT A SHOT! Pat Cummins goes fuller, around middle, nips back in, Akash Deep sets up nicely underneath and heaves it over cow corner for a biggie. Virat Kohli loves it in the dressing room as he watches the ball sail into the stands.

Good length, on off, Akash Deep comes forward and blocks it out to cover.

FOUR! Deep gets it just over! India have avoided the follow-on. It is met with a huge cheer from the Indian supporters in the crowd. Banged into the deck, over off, Deep hangs back and is not in complete control while gliding it over the slip cordon. He still manages to clear the leaping gully fielder for a boundary. Deep thumps the badge near his chest in celebration. Virat Kohli is animated in the dressing room as he exchanges a high-five with the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Starts from over the wicket, hard length, around leg, nips back in sharply, Akash Deep gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the pads. Cummins appeals for LBW but it is clearly going down leg.

On a fullish length, on off, Bumrah gets on the front foot and stabs it down on the off side.

Drags the length back and this goes straight on, around off, Bumrah hangs on the back foot to keep it out.

Drifting away a touch, full and outside off, Bumrah leans on it and defends it out on the off side.

Quicker and fuller, outside off, Bumrah gets his bat in the line of the ball and lunges to keep it out.

Tossed up, fuller in length, on off, Bumrah reaches out and drives it along the carpet but straight to cover.

Lyon serves it a bit too full, around off, Deep drives it square of the wicket towards deep point. Bumrah calls for two but Mitchell Marsh in the deep is quick to get to the ball and keeps it down to one.

So nearly dragged back onto the stumps. Pat Cummins goes fuller and outside off, Akash Deep throws his hands at it and ekes out an inside edge that goes past the stumps to fine leg for a single. India are 5 runs away from avoiding the follow-on.

Similar length, on off, Akash Deep goes back and punches it in a similar direction past the bowler to his left. Starc from cover chases the ball and slides to keep it down to two runs.

Nathan McSweeney is in really tight at silly point.

With a silly point and short leg in place, Cummins bowls it on a length, on off, Akash Deep just times his shot with ease past the bowler to his left and gets two more runs. The follow-on deficit is in single digits now. India need 8 more runs.

Bashes the deck hard, on a length, over off, Akash Deep hops back and squeezes it out on the off side.

Back of a length, on leg, Jasprit Bumrah tucks it in front of deep square leg and gets a single. India now just 10 runs away from avoiding the follow-on!

Steams in from around the wicket and bowls it on a hard length, over middle and off, Akash Deep punches it in front of long off for a single. Pat Cummins on his follow-through chases the ball himself and slides to mop it up.

Change of ends for Pat Cummins. 19-2-63-4 so far for Cummins.

Nicely bowled! Gives the ball some flight and keeps it outside off. Gets it to dip in front of Bumrah who lunges to block. Zips past his outside edge and Alex Carey knocks the bails off in a flash too.

Nagging length, on middle, Jasprit Bumrah goes deep in the crease and just about manages to get some bat to keep it down.

Full, on off, Jasprit Bumrah eases his drive to mid off.

Slows it up and floats it full, on leg, Jasprit Bumrah blocks it just past short leg.

Tossed up, on middle, Akash Deep knocks it down to long on for a single.

Full, on leg, Jasprit Bumrah gets a good stride in and pushes it in the vacant mid-wicket region for a single.

Nathan Lyon (19-0-51-1) returns to the attack, replacing Pat Cummins. A slip, a leg slip and a man at short leg in place.

FOUR! Nicely done! Short of a length, outside off, Akash Deep waits for the ball to arrive and slices it uppishly over backward point. The fielder from deep third gives it a chase and dives ahead trying to flick the ball in, but fails to do so and the ball crashes into the ropes. India are now 14 runs away from avoiding the follow-on!

Bashes it into the deck, on a back of a length, over middle, Akash Deep rides the bounce and taps it to mid-wicket.

Another one dug in short, at the bodyline this time. Akash Deep dabs it down the deck.

Short of a length on off, Akash Deep keeps it out to mid off.

Good length, at the stumps, Akash Deep drives it to the right of mid off where Pat Cummins slides and makes a stop. Akash Deep sets himself off for a run but is sent back in time by Bumrah!

Angling in on off, on a back of a length, Akash Deep fails to keep it out and the ball dribbles down in front of first slip off his trouser.

Nicely played by Akash Deep! Mitchell Starc oversteps and that will chip three runs off the follow-on deficit. Very full, outside off, Akash sees the ball closely and creams it through covers for a couple of runs.

Pat Cummins fires it in, full and on leg, Akash Deep does well to flick it down to fine leg for a single. India are now 21 runs away from avoiding the follow-on!

Back of a length, on off, Akash Deep blocks it to cover.

Scott Boland is seen receiving some instructions from the Australian head coach, Andrew McDonald. We could see a message being passed on at the end of this over through Boland.

Short and just outside off, Jasprit Bumrah gets behind the line of the ball, gets on top of his toes and dabs it down the deck to the off side. The batters scamper through for a quick single.

Drags the length back a bit and keeps it on off, Akash Deep steers it to deep third for a single.

Good length, outside off, Akash Deep feels for it away from his body but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Full and down leg, Akash Deep looks to flick it off his pads but misses.

Length, outside off, Jasprit Bumrah opts to make a leave.

Short and over middle, extra zip off the deck on that one from Starc. Jasprit Bumrah is very late to pull and the ball goes through to the keeper.

Almost a yorker, on middle, Jasprit Bumrah jams it out.

Harsha Bhogle says on air that it is not as bright as it was at the start of the session. It remains to be seen how many more overs we can get in today given the fading light.

Angling in, over middle, on a good length, Jasprit Bumrah stands right behind the line and turns it around to the leg side.

Back of a length, angling away, outside off, Akash Deep pushes it to the right of point and steals a quick run. India need 24 more runs to avoid the follow-on!

Short and down leg, Akash Deep lets it go past.

Serves it on a good length, outside off, Jasprit Bumrah has a feel for it but the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

Switches to over the wicket and lands it on a length, just outside off, Jasprit Bumrah taps it to cover with soft hands.

A barrage of short balls from Cummins. No respite to the batters! Over middle this time, Bumrah is late on his pull.

Back of a length, over middle, Bumrah looks to pull but misses.

Cummins bangs in another bouncer, over middle, Jasprit Bumrah this time sways away from the line.

SIX! Oh hello? Where has that come from? Bumrah premediates the short ball and shuffles across a bit. Cummins digs it into the deck, over middle and Bumrah just uses all the pace on offer and manages to hook it over fine leg for a biggie.

Bouncer, over middle and leg, Akash Deep gets low and ducks under it. India need 31 more runs to avoid the follow-on!

Pulls the length back and keeps it over off, Akash Deep dabs it away to cover.

Hones in at the stumps, on a length, Akash Deep offers a solid block down the deck.

Short and over leg, angling into the batter, Akash ducks under it.

Fires in a yorker at the stumps, Akash Deep is equal to the task and digs it out.

Hard length, Jasprit Bumrah manages to tuck it down to deep fine leg for a single.

Comes from around the wicket and bangs it very short, down leg, Jasprit Bumrah looks to pull but misses. Called wide by the umpire!

Akash Deep is the last man in for India. Mitchell Starc returns to the attack, replacing Nathan Lyon.

OUT! CAUGHT! Pat Cummins gets the big fish and the short ball ploy is executed to perfection! Australia believe they can force a follow-on with Jadeja trudging back to the hut! Cummins digs it into the deck, over middle, Ravindra Jadeja is hurried by the pace of the delivery and goes through to crack his pull shot. Doesn't manage to get on top of the bounce and hits it aerially in front of deep square leg where Mitchell Marsh charges in and takes a solid catch with a dive in front. Jadeja goes for 77 (123). India are now 213/9, requiring 33 more runs to avoid the follow-on.

Short and well outside off, keeps it away from Jadeja's reach.

Keeps it very tight, on off, on a hard length, Ravindra Jadeja stays put in the crease and looks to steer it behind square on the off side but is cramped for room and only manages to get an outside edge that dies down in front of first slip.

Very full, on off, Ravindra Jadeja drives it to long off but doesn't take the run.

FOUR! Fortuitous! Pat Cummins almost got his man on this occasion! Back of a length, angling across, on off. The ball rises off the deck and takes the outside edge. Flies well over the slip cordon and races away to the fence. India need 33 more runs to avoid the follow-on.

Hard length, over off, Ravindra Jadeja blocks it with an angled bat.

Solid in defence and Jasprit Bumrah sees through another over! Flighted full, on off, Bumrah stabs it down the strip.

Full, on leg, Jasprit Bumrah prods out and blocks.

Pushed through quicker and fuller, on middle, Ravindra Jadeja taps it to mid on for a single.

Drags the length back and keeps it outside off, Ravindra Jadeja cuts it to deep cover but doesn't bother to take the single.

SIX! BANG! This could very well be the way Jadeja could approach this deficit of 38 runs to avoid the follow-on! Tossed up, on off, Jadeja makes some room and clubs it straight back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Short and outside off, Ravindra Jadeja reaches for it and cuts it deep point. No single taken.

Back of a length, over middle, Jasprit Bumrah keeps it out in front of short leg. Safely negotiated!

Attacks the stumps, on a hard length, Jasprit Bumrah walks across the line and tucks it to short leg to his left.

Outside off, on a length, Ravindra Jadeja punches it to long off and decides to take the run. Jasprit Bumrah has two deliveries in this over to see through!

Short and over middle, Jadeja sways away out of the line.

Full, on off, Ravindra Jadeja firms his drive straight back at the bowler, off the inner half of the bat and Cummins stops it cleanly on his follow-through.

Back of a length, outside off, Ravindra Jadeja cuts it to deep point but doesn't take the single.

Jasprit Bumrah is the new man in. It will be Pat Cummins to share the attack with Starc.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Alex Carey takes a brilliant catch and ends the misery for Siraj! India slip further down to 201/8! Starc goes full and on off, inviting Siraj to play at it. Siraj duly obliges and goes for a full-blooded drive only to get an outside edge that flies to the right of the keeper. Alex Carey dives to that side and takes a sharp catch. India lose their 8th wicket, needing 45 more runs to avoid the follow-on.

Hits the deck hard, on a shorter length, angling in over middle and leg, Mohammed Siraj ducks under it.

Short of a length, outside off, Mohammed Siraj leaves it alone.

Comes from wider on the crease from around the wicket and fires it full, at the stumps, Siraj does well to push it out to covers.

All in readiness for the action to commence. The two umpires and players head out to the centre. Mohammed Siraj has four balls left to survive in the over from Mitchell Starc. Two slips, a gully and a short leg in place. Away we go...

UPDATE - 6.40 am GMT (12.10 pm GMT) - We should have started the third session by now and even though it has stopped raining, the strip is still under cover. Just as we type, the ground staff are starting to uncover the deck. Hopefully, play can resume shortly, weather permitting.

... DAY 4, SESSION 3 ...

Siraj survived a couple of close run-out scares but before the hosts could make any further inroads into the tail, the rain returned. It has been that kind of bowling innings for Australia - whenever they've had the momentum, rain has intervened, frustrating their efforts and offering the Indians some relief. Cricket Australia has released an update on Josh Hazlewood, stating that the speedster has been ruled out of the current Test, and his participation in the next two Tests is now in doubt. This comes as a huge setback for the hosts and makes their job of pushing for a win even more challenging. India stand 45 runs away from avoiding the follow-on, and Jadeja will be key in helping them achieve that. Back in a bit for the start of the third session.

Well, that brings an end to another rain-affected session in this Test. After a delayed start, we managed to get underway, but only 2.5 overs were bowled before the rain returned, as forecasted. During that short passage of play, Ravindra Jadeja brought up a well-compiled half-century. When play resumed, Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy continued to apply themselves, steadily chipping away at the follow-on deficit. However, Pat Cummins, with his knack for making things happen, struck a crucial blow as Reddy dragged one back onto his stumps. Australia finally managed to break through to the tail, and the arrival of Mohammed Siraj brought some nervy moments for the tourists.

UPDATE - 6.20 am GMT (11.50 am IST) - Oh, dear! The heavens have opened! Mitchell Starc wears a frustrated look as the umpires signal for the ground staff to bring the covers on. Sunil Gavaskar and Mark Nicholas reckon that the drizzle isn't heavy enough to warrant stopping play, but the umpires think otherwise. For now, only the pitch has been covered, and the ground staff are on standby, ready to place the square cover if the rain intensifies. With this stoppage in play, TEA has been taken.

Another short one, this time directed at the head of Siraj with the angle coming into the batter. Mohammed Siraj does well to duck under it.

Digs it very short, over middle and leg, Mohammed Siraj backs away a long way and looks to ramp it over the keeper's head but misses by a long way.

On a back of a length, over middle, Jadeja gets inside the line of the ball and swings to help it away but misses.

Had the throw hit, Siraj was gone for all money! On a hard length, on off and middle, Siraj fends it awkwardly and the ball drops beside the pitch on the off side. Siraj sets off for a non-existent run and gets sent back by Jadeja. Cummins swoops in and fires in a throw at the batting end on his follow-through but misses. The ball rolls behind to deep fine leg and the batters cross for an overthrow.

India get to the 200-run mark! Full and outside off from Cummins, Ravindra Jadeja cracks his drive through covers. The ball plugs in the outfield and the fielder from long off mops it up saving a run.

Very full, outside off, Ravindra Jadeja looks to play at it without any foot movement and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Siraj survives a scare! On a back of a length, on middle, the ball rises a bit more than Jadeja was anticipating and manages to skew it uppishly to the vacant mid-wicket region. The fielder from long on charges at the ball with the batters looking to sneak in a second and fires a throw to Marnus Labuschagne who gets up to the stumps at the bowling end and knocks the bails off. Mohammed Siraj puts a dive in to make his ground. The bat bounces off the turf but it makes contact with the turf before the bails are dislodged.

Has Siraj made his ground? It seems his desperate dive might have saved him by the narrowest of margins. While the bat did bounce off the turf during the dive, it does seem to have been grounded just before the bails came off the groove. The third umpire looks at a couple of angles and gives his verdict. NOT OUT flashes on the big screen!

Steams in from around the wicket and lands it on a length, around middle and off, Ravindra Jadeja hops back and tucks it to fine leg but doesn't take the run.

A loud cheer as Siraj sees the over out! Tossed up, on middle, Mohammed Siraj taps it to mid-wicket.

Gives the ball a bit more revs and keeps it full, on middle, Mohammed Siraj prods out and blocks.

Flatter and fuller, on middle, Mohammed Siraj stabs it out.

Full, on middle, Ravindra Jadeja turns it to the vacant mid-wicket region and gets a single.

Floated full, on middle and off, Ravindra Jadeja pushes it back to the bowler.

Tossed up, on middle, Jadeja lunges and blocks it to mid on.

Cummins greets Siraj with a bouncer, around middle, as the ball climbs onto the batter. Mohammed Siraj hurriedly sways back and Cummins appeals for a caught behind but the umpire shakes his head.

Mohammed Siraj makes his way out to bat at number 9!

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Just before this ball, Adam Gilchrist said on air that he felt something was going to happen and right on cue, Pat Cummins has struck for Australia. Nitish Kumar Reddy throws his head back in disappointment. On a back of a length, seaming back in a bit, on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy tries to dab it down on the off side with an angled bat but ends up playing outside the line of the ball. The ball comes back in enough to catch the inside edge and it crashes back onto the stumps. The 53-run stand is broken. India are now 194/7, needing 52 more runs to avoid the follow-on.

Hard length, around off, nips back in, Nitish Kumar Reddy blocks it with soft hands as he gets the bottom edge onto the side of stumps.

A good dive by Lyon to save the boundary at deep third! Goes fuller this time, well outside off, shapes away, Nitish Kumar Reddy gets enough room to slice away with an open bat face. Lyon dives to his left and keeps it down to two.

Short of a length, just outside off, straightens off the deck, Nitish Kumar Reddy doesn't offer any shot at it.

Comes from over the wicket, hard length, around off, angles in, Nitish Kumar Reddy keeps it down from the back foot.

Pat Cummins (13-2-41-2) brings himself back into the attack.

This is pushed across, short and on off, Reddy pushes it in the vacant short cover region and takes a single.

Slower through the air and more flight on this one, full and on middle, Reddy reaches out in front to nudge it to short leg.

Flatter and shorter, on off, Reddy hangs back to defend.

From over the wicket now, on a length, at the stumps, Reddy stays back to dab it down on the leg side.

Turning down leg, on a nagging length, Reddy gets inside the line and leaves the ball alone.

Turning in, full and on middle, Reddy gets forward to smother the spin.

An appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down! A yorker at the toes, Nitish Kumar Reddy is hurried as the ball tails back in and he digs it out wide of mid-wicket. They get a single. Starc thinks it is pad first and looks interested but he does not get much support from the rest. The 50-run stand comes up between these two batters.

Hard length, around middle, angles in, Nitish Kumar Reddy covers the line of the ball and fends it to mid-wicket with ease.

Short of a length, outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy doesn't offer any shot at it.

Good length, wide outside off, shapes away, Ravindra Jadeja wants to leave it by but he doesn't take his bat away from the line properly. The ball hits the bat and rolls over to deep point for a single.

Comes from over the wicket this time, hard length, around off, straightens off the deck, stays low in bounce, Ravindra Jadeja dabs it back to the bowler.

Comes from around the wicket, short of a length, outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy keeps it down wide of point for a single.

A bit of air on this one, full and at the stumps, Reddy presses forward and eases the drive to long on for one.

Sprayed down leg, on the shorter side, Reddy lets it be.

Lyon lands it short, on middle and leg, Reddy goes on the back foot and flicks it on the bounce to the left of short leg. Head gathers it cleanly and flicks it towards the keeper but Reddy had his back leg ground inside the crease all the way through.

Another one that spins past the leg stump, on a nagging length, Reddy leaves the ball alone.

This is quicker and spins back in sharply, on a nagging length, Reddy fends it down with the turn on the leg side.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Jadeja pushes it in front of mid on and takes a quick single.

Ends with a good-length ball, outside off, straightens off the deck, Nitish Kumar Reddy shoulders arms as the ball sails through to the keeper. India are186/6, needing 60 more runs to avoid the follow-on.

Back of a length, around off, angles in, Nitish Kumar Reddy pats it wide of cover and wants a quick single but is sent back by Jadeja again.

WOW! A sharp and quick bumper, around middle, keeps following the batter and climbs onto him, Nitish Kumar Reddy sways away.

Comes from around the wicket, hard length, just outside off, angles in, Nitish Kumar Reddy doesn't offer any shot at it.

Back of a length, around off, at chest height, Nitish Kumar Reddy dabs it wide of cover and sets off but is sent back by Jadeja. No harm done!

From over the wicket, on a good length, around off, Nitish Kumar Reddy blocks it right under his eyes from the back foot.

A bit quicker, fuller as well, on off, Jadeja has a bit of a jab at the delivery with a straight bat. Gets it off the outer half of the bat and it rolls in front of point.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Reddy knocks it down the ground to long on for one more.

Very full, on off and middle, Jadeja sweeps it along the carpet to deep backward square leg for one.

Nicely tossed up, on a nagging length, turning away and a bit of extra bounce, Jadeja is drawn forward and thinks about getting his bat in the line of the ball but then changes his mind and withdraws his bat.

This goes straight on, on a length, around off, Jadeja lets it be.

Flat and short, on off, Jadeja rocks back and flat bats it back to Lyon.

Ends with a short ball, just outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy ducks it as the ball goes to the keeper with pace.

Hard length, just outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy leaves it with ease as he knows where his off stump is.

Sweetly struck but straight to the fielder. Full, outside off, angles away, Nitish Kumar Reddy draws forward and drives it firmly but straight to Marnus Labuschagne at cover.

Well left! Good length, just outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy doesn't offer any shot to it as the ball sails through to the keeper.

Goes fuller this time, wide outside off, angles away, Nitish Kumar Reddy shoulders arms as he watches the ball go through to the keeper.

Starts from over the wicket, hard length, wide outside off, shapes away, Ravindra Jadeja gets enough room to free his arms and he cuts it wide of point for a single.

On the fuller side, on middle and leg, Reddy lunges and defends it with his bat close to the front pad.

Stays around the wicket for the right-hander does Lyon and pushes it through, on a nagging length, on middle and leg, Reddy presses back to keep it out.

A hint of away turn, short and on off, Jadeja gets on his toes and pats it wide of cover for one.

A bit of grip on this one, short and on off, Jadeja stabs it down on the leg side.

Sliding on, short and on off, Jadeja hangs back to defend.

Lyon starts with a loosener as he drops it short and wide on off, Jadeja reaches out and gets on top of the bounce. Punches it to the left of deep point for a brace.

Zeroing in on the front pad, a bit of late inward shape, on a good length, Nitish Kumar Reddy gets his front pad out of the way and brings his bat out in front to block it out.

In all readiness for another resumption! The umpires stride out to the middle, followed by the Australian fielders taking their positions. Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy also make their way to the crease, ready to continue their partnership. Mitchell Starc is set to complete the final ball of his 17th over. Here we go!

UPDATE - 5.09 am GMT (10.39 am IST) - It has stopped raining and the umpires are out to inspect the conditions. The covers are being peeled off and play will resume at 5.30 am GMT (11 am IST). However, the radar indicates another spell of rain could be on the way and it remains to be seen how many overs we can actually stay on the park. TEA break will be taken at 6.30 am GMT (12 pm IST). Fingers crossed for a good spell of uninterrupted play!

UPDATE - 4.50 am GMT (10.20 am IST) - No change in the situation, unfortunately. The rain continues to fall steadily, and the covers remain firmly in place. However, a positive reminder of the incredible drainage system at this venue, which ensures a quick turnaround once the rain stops. We remain hopeful for a break in the weather so the action can resume. Stick around for more updates!

UPDATE - 4.23 am GMT (9.53 am IST) - Oh no! Not again! The drizzle has returned, and the players are walking off the field as the covers come on once more. Frustrating, to say the least, but full credit to the ground staff, who have been tirelessly on their toes throughout these frequent interruptions. The forecast indicates that this could be a heavier bout of rain, meaning we might be in for a longer delay. Stick around for further updates!

Short of a length, down the leg side, Nitish Kumar Reddy doesn't offer any shot as he watches the ball go through to the keeper.

Back of a length, around middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy keeps it down to mid-wicket from the back foot.

Good length, outside off, a hint of outswing, Ravindra Jadeja dabs it wide of cover for a quick single. Marnus throws at the non-striker's end but misses. It would have been interesting had the throw hit.

Hard length, around off, angles in, Ravindra Jadeja blocks it out with ease from the front foot.

Starts from over the wicket, full around middle, shapes away a little bit, Nitish Kumar Reddy's head falls over to the off side as he goes for a flick but gets a leading edge wide of cover for a quick single.

Another one that is fired in by Lyon, full and at the stumps, kept out off the front foot by Jadeja.

Pushed through, at the stumps, on a nagging length, Jadeja blocks it out in front of silly point.

Short and going across, on off, Reddy dabs it wide of cover and gets to the other end.

Turning down leg, a bit short, Reddy walks inside the line to work it with the turn but misses. Good take by Carey to his left.

More flight on this one, fuller in length, on off, Jadeja sweeps it firmly to deep square leg for a single.

Tossed up from around the wicket, around off, Jadeja leaves it alone.

It will be Nathan Lyon (12-0-33-1) to continue from the other end!

Banged in short but the line is down leg, Nitish Kumar Reddy ducks and lets it be.

FIFTY FOR JADEJA! This has been a fighting knock from Jadeja and it is worth its weight in gold for India. Honing in at the stumps from over the wicket, on a good length, Jadeja gets his bat out in front and nudges it wide of mid-wicket for a single. Jadeja celebrates in trademark fashion by wielding his bat as a sword.

FOUR! Half a shout for LBW but it is given as runs by the umpire! Too straight from Starc, on a back of a length, on the pads, Jadeja gets on his toes and tries to get inside the line to glance it away but misses. The ball brushes his thigh pad and races down to the deep fine leg fence. Jadeja moves to 49.

A tighter line, on off and the length is pulled back, Jadeja hangs back and keeps his bat close to the body to stab it down.

Slanting down leg, on a length, Jadeja misses the tickle.

FOUR! Jadeja is up and running! Starc steams in from over the wicket and lands it on a length, on the off-stump line, Jadeja presses forward and shows the full face of the bat. Times the drive and beats the diving mid on fielder to his right. The ball slows down but it has enough legs to reach the fence.

Right then, after a delayed start to the second session, we’re finally underway! Tea is scheduled for 6.10 am GMT (11.40 am IST) with about 57 overs remaining in the day. The umpires and players are back in the middle, with Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy resuming their stay at the crease. Their focus will be on chipping away at the 79-run deficit, with the crucial goal of avoiding the follow-on first. Mitchell Starc is handed the ball and will start the proceedings in this session looking to find that crucial breakthrough that could very well open the floodgates. Starc to Jadeja. Here we go!

UPDATE - 3.59 am GMT (9.29 am IST) - Live visuals show Richard Illingworth and Richard Kettleborough carrying out an inspection. They are pressing their shoes against the turf to check for any potential dampness in the outfield. Right then, we have a restart time. Play is set to resume at 4.10 am GMT (9.40 am IST). Buckle up, this promises to be another captivating session.

UPDATE - 3.44 am GMT (9.14 am IST) - Good news! The rain has eased, and the umpires are heading out for an inspection. The ground staff are in the process of clearing the standing water on the covers first before peeling the covers off. The umpires have decided to hold another inspection at 4 am GMT (9.30 am IST). Fingers crossed for a positive outcome from the inspection!

UPDATE - 3.27 am GMT (8.57 am IST) - Uh oh! A passing shower during the break has led to the covers being put on, which means the start of the session is delayed. While it looked brighter initially, the drizzle has now picked up intensity, and the covers will remain firmly intact for the time being. Looks like we might have to wait a little longer before play resumes!

... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...

PITCH REPORT - Sunil Gavaskar is joined by Harbhajan Singh in the middle for the pitch analysis. Gavaskar starts by saying that there was a bit more bounce from one end where there is a little more grass covering and a few cracks that can produce some concerns for the batters. Adds that the followthrough marks of the bowlers might make things harder for somebody like Jadeja but reckons that the right-handers have nothing to worry about on that end. Harbhajan Singh joins in from the other end and says that Nathan Lyon can exploit a few marks with the wicket still looking very good for bowlers.

The weather has held up beautifully so far, and we’re all hoping it stays clear for the rest of the day because this match is really heating up! All eyes are now on Ravindra Jadeja, who will look to guide India out of trouble, with the talented young Nitish Kumar Reddy by his side. The pitch seems to be easing out for batting, and with the ball getting softer by the over, conditions could favour the batters. Australia, however, will be looking to strike one soon and expose the Indian tail, which they’ll be eager to pounce on. The second session promises plenty of excitement, so don’t miss a moment. Tune back in at 3.25 am GMT (8.55 am IST) for all the afternoon action!

With Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to calf soreness, the Indian batters seized the opportunity, and run-scoring began to flow with surprising ease. The promising 67-run stand between Rahul and Jadeja was eventually broken by Nathan Lyon against the run of play. This time, Steven Smith made amends for his earlier error with a stunning catch to dismiss Rahul, who had been exceptional with the bat.

Australia, on the other hand, have been sharp and disciplined, led by the relentless Pat Cummins. The Australian skipper was unlucky early on when Steven Smith dropped KL Rahul on the very first ball of the day when he was on 33. However, Cummins’ persistence soon paid off as he removed Rohit Sharma for another low score. After that, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja steadied the ship, stitching together a crucial partnership that eased Indian nerves.

SESSION SUMMARY - 32 overs, 116 runs and 2 wickets! What a riveting session we’ve witnessed! Despite a brief rain interruption, both teams delivered an enthralling display of red-ball cricket. The Indian batters showed tremendous resolve and application this morning, making batting look significantly more comfortable than before. While the loss of KL Rahul is a major setback, his gritty knock of 84 has kept India fighting. With Ravindra Jadeja well set and Nitish Kumar Reddy looking in good form, the visitors will be confident about chipping away at the deficit and, more importantly, knocking off the 79 remaining runs to avoid the follow-on.

Serves a flighted delivery, full and on middle and leg, Reddy gets on the front foot and pushes it back to Lyon. That will be LUNCH on Day 4!

Has Reddy been strangled down leg? The men around the bat are convinced and Pat Cummins takes the review. Fired down leg, on a nagging length by Lyon, Reddy looks to tickle it fine but misses. The ball passes close to the bat and it is collected well by Alex Carey moving to his left. The UltraEdge shows no spike when the ball is next to the bat. Australia lose their review.

Lyon changes his angle of attack as he comes from around the wicket. Pushes it across the batter, on the fuller side, Reddy jabs at the delivery with a straight bat. Gets an outside edge that goes low and well wide of Steven Smith at first slip to his right for a couple of runs.

The umpire has just informed the players that Ball Tracking is currently down, but UltraEdge remains available! That brief pause in play likely signals that this could be the final over before Lunch.

Floated up, full and on off, Reddy clips it to short mid-wicket.

Fuller again, around off, Reddy gets a good stride in and pats it to mid off again.

Tossed up, full and on off, Reddy presses forward and knocks it to mid off.

Ends with a hard-length ball, just outside off, shapes away, Ravindra Jadeja doesn't offer any shot as he watches the ball go through to the keeper.

Comes over the wicket, full around leg, Ravindra Jadeja nudges it wide of deep fine leg again and takes a couple of runs.

Good fielding by Nathan Lyon at deep fine leg! Goes fuller this time, around middle and leg, nips back in, Ravindra Jadeja flicks it wide of deep fine leg where Lyon sprints to his right and dives before relaying it to the converging Mitchell Marsh to his right. Two runs taken.

A man from the slip cordon moves to leg slip and a deep square leg comes in place now. Back of a length, just outside off, seaming in, Ravindra Jadeja fends it to cover.

Slightly fuller, around middle, nips back in sharply, stays low on the bounce, Ravindra Jadeja is caught on the back foot but manages to keep it out on the leg side.

Comes from around the wicket, hard length, on top of off, angles in, Ravindra Jadeja presses back and blocks it out with ease.

This goes straight on, short and on off, Reddy hops on the back foot and dabs it down on the off side.

Slower and fuller, on off and middle, Reddy strides forward and turns it with a closed bat face to short leg.

Drags the length back and this is a bit quicker, on middle, Reddy stays back to block.

Offers flight, fuller in length, around off, Reddy lunges and keeps it out.

Flatter and shorter, on middle, Reddy gets on top of the bounce and stabs it down.

Short and turning away, outside off, cut off the back foot to deep point for a single.

This keeps rising, on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Jadeja hops and drops it with soft hands beside the pitch on the leg side. He calls Reddy though for a quick single. Cummins gets to the ball, turns around and fires in a throw at the bowling end but misses. It would not have mattered much as Jadeja was in anyway.

Short again but this is bowled from wide of the crease, on off and middle, Jadeja bends down and lets it be.

Banged in short from around the wicket, over middle and leg, Jadeja ducks under it.

Sliding onto the pads again, on a nagging length, Reddy glances it down to deep fine leg and crosses over.

Slips it down leg, on a length, Reddy looks to help it away but misses.

Beaten! Cummins serves it on a length, angling in, on off, Reddy is lured into the straight drive. The ball holds its line and whizzes past the outside edge.

Lyon serves it short, outside off, Jadeja goes deep in the crease and cuts it to the left of the man at deep point for a brace.

Dropping in front of the batter, full and spinning away, Jadeja thinks about playing initially but then changes his mind and leaves the ball alone.

Keeps it full, on off, Jadeja defends it off the front foot.

Fired in, fuller and at the stumps, Jadeja whips but Inglis makes a sharp stop to his right at mid-wicket.

FOUR! Jadeja sweeps and sweeps well! With a short leg and a silly point in place, Lyon floats it up, full and on off, Jadeja reaches out in front and controls the shot as he rolls his wrists on the ball. Hits it in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

Bowled from wide of the crease on the around-the-wicket angle, tossed up, around off, Jadeja smothers the spin as he gets on the front foot.

Nipping away, on a back of a length, outside off, Reddy lets it be.

Attacking the stumps, on a good length, Reddy dabs it down on the leg side.

Oh, that took off! Cummins digs it in short, at the left shoulder of the batter, Reddy bends down a little bit and sees the ball sail over his head. It curves away from the keeper Alex Carey who moves to his left and leaps to grab it. The ball brushes his fingertips and goes behind for a boundary.

Slanting into the pads from around the wicket, on a length, Jadeja clips it to the right of deep fine leg. A long chase for the fielder in the deep and that allows the batters to run three.

Full and going down leg, Jadeja misses the tickle.

On a length, outside off, left alone by Jadeja.

Short and drifting back into the stumps, Nitish Kumar Reddy turns it past short leg.

FOUR! Lovely way to get off the mark! Looped up by Lyon, fuller and around off, Nitish gets to the pitch of the ball by taking a good stride forward and firms the drive through covers for a boundary.

Tossed up, around middle and off, Nitish Kumar Reddy taps it to mid-wicket.

Nitish Kumar Reddy walks out to bat at number 8 for India!

OUT! WHAT A CATCH! Steven Smith has redeemed himself and how! After dropping Rahul on the first ball of the day, he has now pulled off an absolutely spectacular grab to dismiss him. Lyon drops it flat and short, around off, Rahul goes deep in the crease and shapes up for the cut. He fails to get on top of the bounce and the ball catches the outside edge of the angled bat. It goes low to the right of first slip where Steven Smith anticipates well by taking a couple of steps to his right and flings himself. The ball sticks in his grasp and stays in even as his elbow hits the turf. Smith lets out a roar. The change of ends has done the trick for Lyon. KL Rahul departs after a gritty 84-run knock and India are now 141/6 needing another 105 runs to avoid the follow-on!

Bowled from a bit wide of the crease, on a good length, around off, Rahul lunges to smother the spin.

Change of ends for Lyon. Starts off on a nagging length, on middle, Rahul turns it on the bounce to short leg.

Outside off, on a length, Ravindra Jadeja lifts his bat high and opts to make a leave.

Hard length, on off, Ravindra Jadeja hops back and stabs it back to the bowler.

Short of a length, over middle, KL Rahul swivels inside the line, rolls his wrists over the ball and pulls it well to deep square leg for a single.

Bangs it short, over middle and off, KL Rahul ducks underneath.

Back of a length, over middle, KL Rahul taps it to mid on off the back foot.

Cummins comes back into the attack and lands it on a length, just outside off, KL Rahul pushes it to cover.

More air on this one, on off, full in length, Jadeja lunges and dead bats it.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Jadeja blocks it out off the front foot.

Looped up, very full, on the off-stump line, Rahul reverse sweeps it fine to the left of deep third for a single.

Fuller in length, on off, Rahul goes back to a full delivery but manages to keep it out.

Lyon gives the ball air and bowls it on off, Rahul presses forward in defence.

Good effort in the field! Dropped short by Lyon, outside off, Jadeja uses the depth of the crease and cuts it late. Gets it to the right of cover-point. Nathan McSweeney goes after it and saves a run for his side with a slide. Three runs taken.

Sprayed on the pads by Starc, on a good length, Rahul stays balanced and clips it through square leg for a couple of runs.

Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Jadeja opts to stay back and nudges it in between mid-wicket and mid on for a single.

On a back of a length, outside off, not close enough to make the batter play, Jadeja lets it be.

Short again by Starc, at the batter, Rahul swivels and pulls it along the ground to deep fine leg for a single.

Oh, that could have so easily trickled back onto the stumps! Starc gets a good lift off the deck as he bangs it in short, over off, Rahul rises with the bounce to keep it out. The ball keeps climbing and hits the bat near the sticker. It drops at his feet and rolls past the off stump.

Angling across, on a nagging length, around off, Rahul dabs it down on the off side from the crease.

Short again, width offered on off, Jadeja cuts it towards cover-point and sets off for the run before getting sent back by Rahul.

Drops it short, on off, Rahul stays back and steers it in the vacant point region for a single.

Pushed through, short and on off, Rahul plays it back to Lyon.

A bit quicker, flatter and short in length, Rahul hangs back to defend.

Floated up, full and on middle, Rahul defends it out on the leg side.

Tossed up, full and turning in, on middle, Rahul turns it to mid-wicket.

Banged in short, over off and middle, Jadeja drops his wrists and lets it go.

A loud shout for LBW but that seemed to bat first! On a good length, on off, Jadeja gets a big stride in which takes his front pad outside the line of the off stump at the point of impact. Ekes out an inside edge onto the front pad.

This is on a length, at 138.5 kph, on the sixth stump line, Jadeja shoulders arms.

This zips through, on a nagging length, a hint of nip back into the left-hander, just outside off, Jadeja gets his bat away from the line of the ball and watchfully lets it go.

Starc draws Jadeja forward as he bowls it fuller in length, on the fifth stump line. Jadeja resists and makes the leave.

Good running! Zeroing in on the front pad, on a length, Rahul taps it with a straight bat in front of mid on and calls Jadeja through for a quick single.

Flatter and fuller, on middle, kept out off the front foot by Jadeja.

FOUR! Gets it through! Lyon drops it way too short and offers width on off, Jadeja manages to get on top of the bounce and cuts it all along the ground. Beats the diving Nathan McSweeney at cover-point to his left for a boundary.

Bowled from wide of the crease, fuller and dipping in, on middle, Jadeja gets a good stride in to dead bat it.

Floated up, full and on off, Jadeja gets out in front to defend.

Drifting in, fuller and on middle and leg, Jadeja blocks it out off the front foot.

This turns away a tad bit, on a length, around off, Jadeja covers the off stump by planting his front foot across and lets it be.

Change of ends for Nathan Lyon!

A bit too straight, on the pads, on a nagging length, Jadeja gets inside the line and helps it down to deep fine leg. Lyon gets around to his left and mops it up. They cross.

Starc bangs it into the deck but the line is well outside off, an easy leave for Jadeja.

In the corridor of uncertainty, on a good length, Jadeja makes a watchful leave.

On the fuller side, a hint of late away shape, on off, Jadeja presses forward and eases the drive to the left of mid off for a couple of runs. The 50-run stand comes up between Jadeja and Rahul.

Deviating away off the deck, on a good length, outside off, Jadeja is happy to let it go.

A slight hold up as Ravindra Jadeja gets his gloves changed.

Starc starts with a full delivery, around off, Jadeja plants his front foot across and stabs it down on the off side.

Mitchell Starc (12-1-50-2) comes back into the attack.

At 136.7 kph, on a short of a good length, on off and middle, Rahul is back and across in defence.

Drags the length back now, on middle and leg, Jadeja uses the angle and glances it down to deep fine leg for a run.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Pat delivers it full, on middle and leg, Jadeja lets the ball come to him and just punches it with a straight bat past the non-striker. Travis Head at mid on, gives it a chase and slides but in vain.

Serves it on the fuller side, outside off, Jadeja shoulders arms.

The man at mid-wicket is moved to a deepish square leg position. Cummins slants it on the pads, on a length, Rahul clips it in the vacant mid-wicket region and gets to the other end.

Zones it in on the off-stump line, on a good length, Rahul goes deep in the crease and gets behind the line to play it back to Cummins.

Even fuller this time, on the pads, Jadeja wrists it but can't get it past mid-wicket.

On middle and leg and the length stays full, Jadeja reaches out in front and works it to mid-wicket.

Fuller and quicker, at the stumps, Jadeja gets a good stride in to block.

Sliding on, short and on middle, Jadeja is on the back foot to see it out.

Floated up, slower through the air, on off, Jadeja gets on the front foot and taps it back to Lyon.

Dropped short and flat, on leg, Rahul crouches and swats it wide of backward square leg for a single.

From around the wicket to the left-hander, in the channel on off, on a good length, left alone by Jadeja.

This jags back in sharply, on a back of a length and gets a good bounce off the deck, on off, Rahul adjusts well to ride the bounce and drops it in front of cover for one.

Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, kept out on the leg side by Rahul.

FOUR! Not in complete control but Rahul will take it! Cummins digs it in short, at the ribs, Rahul tries to tickle it fine but the ball gets a bit big on him and cramps him for room. The ball brushes his glove as he takes the bottom hand off the bat. Beats Alex Carey to his left and picks up a boundary.

Full again, on off, Rahul presses forward to drive it through the off side. Miscues it off the inner half of the bat to mid on.

Pat steams in from over the wicket and angles it in, on a length, at the stumps, Rahul presents the full face of the bat and drives it back past the bowler. Gets it past mid off but the ball hits the pile of sawdust at the top of the bowler's mark and slows down. Two runs taken.

Slower and shorter, turning away, outside off, Jadeja hangs back to dab it to point.

FOUR! Nicely done! At 88.7 kph, full in length, in and around the off-stump line, Jadeja reaches out in front and rolls his wrists over the ball to control the sweep. Hits it firmly through square leg for a boundary.

Pushed through, flat and short, on the off-stump line, Jadeja keeps his bat close to the front pad and stabs it down.

Drifting in, full and attacking the front pad, blocked out off the front foot by Jadeja.

Drops it short and gets the ball to spin away, on off, Jadeja gets on the back foot and jabs it to mid-wicket.

Nicely tossed up from around the wicket, full and on middle, Jadeja lunges to defend.

Oh, hello! At 119.5 kph, Marsh errs as he serves a low full toss, on off, Rahul knocks it down the deck and hits it a bit too straight. The ball hits the stumps at the bowling end and deflects towards mid off.

The action is set to resume after a brief halt due to a drizzle. The umpires and players are back on the field, ready to get things underway. The Lunch is pushed to 2.45 am GMT (8.15 am IST). KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja will need to refocus and rebuild, while Australia, coming out fresh, will be eager to break through and seize the break in their momentum. Mitchell Marsh to finish his final ball of the over.

JUST IN - Cricket Australia have released an update on Josh Hazlewood, stating that 'Hazlewood reported calf awareness during this morning’s warm-up and will be taken for scans to assess the injury.' The speedster bowled just one over this morning and looked far from his best in terms of fitness. This will certainly be a cause for concern for Australia going forward in the series.

UPDATE - 1.12 am GMT (6.42 am IST) - Promising signs! The rain has relented, and the sun is out. The match officials are out in the middle, having a chat with a couple of members of the ground staff and closely inspecting the radar. However, the covers are yet to come off. Just as we type, the covers are being peeled off. We have a confirmed restart time - Play is set to resume at 1.25 am GMT (6.55 am IST).

UPDATE - 1.10 am GMT (6.40 am IST) - The rain has eased to a light drizzle. The fourth umpire is out there, umbrella in hand, keeping a close watch on the conditions. Meanwhile, the ground staff are hovering around the covers, ready to spring into action and remove them as soon as the rain stops completely. Stay tuned for further updates!

UPDATE - 1.02 am GMT (6.32 am IST) - Oh, no! The players are heading off as the drizzle has suddenly picked up. The ground staff, quick as ever, have rushed in to cover the pitch and are now putting on the square covers as well. It’s not too dark overhead, so this appears to be just a passing shower. Fingers crossed we will be back underway soon!

Fuller than a good length, on off, KL Rahul leans on and makes a solid block to the off side.

Outside off, on a good length, KL Rahul watches the ball go past to the keeper.

Full and at the stumps, KL Rahul firms his drive but straight to mid off.

Full and on leg, KL Rahul gets his bat ahead and tries to flick but only manages to tap it to mid-wicket.

Good length, at the stumps, KL Rahul with soft hands, opens the bat face and guides the ball to deep third for a couple of runs.

Shorter and on off, Ravindra Jadeja cuts it to backward point and looks to get across but is sent back by Rahul.

Very full, on middle, Ravindra Jadeja flicks it well but finds the fielder at mid-wicket.

Pushed through quicker and fuller, on off, KL Rahul pushes it through covers and rotates the strike over. Batting looks easy all of a sudden!

Tossed right up, on middle, Ravindra Jadeja sweeps it to fine leg for a single.

It has started to drizzle but we stay on for now.

Tossed up, on off, Ravindra Jadeja lunges and makes a block.

Short and on middle, KL Rahul goes back and whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

A tad bit fuller than a good length, on off, KL Rahul pushes it to cover for a single. Brings up the 100 runs for India!

Hurls it on a length, just outside off, KL Rahul reads the line and length well to hold his bat high and make another leave.

A bit of away movement on a good length, outside off, KL Rahul leaves it alone.

Outside off, on a length, left alone by KL Rahul!

Good length, on middle and off, Ravindra Jadeja pushes it in front of gully and scampers across for a single. Mitchell Marsh has overstepped and it is deemed a No Ball by the third umpire.

Pulls the length back, on off, KL Rahul cuts it to deep point for one.

Starts from over the wicket and lands it on a good length, just outside off, KL Rahul gets closer to the line and blocks it with soft hands towards gully.

Mitchell Marsh has been handed the ball now, replacing Josh Hazlewood.

Slows it up and keeps it fuller around off and turning away from the batter Ravindra Jadeja sees the ball closely and makes a leave.

Drifting into the pads, on a nagging length, Jadeja goes back and turns it around to mid-wicket.

Full and at the stumps, Ravindra Jadeja lunges and blocks.

More revs than flight on that one, on off, fuller, Ravindra Jadeja taps it back to the bowler.

Fuller and on middle and leg, KL Rahul goes deep in the crease and tucks it to square leg for one.

Starts from around the wicket and keeps it short and outside off, Ravindra Jadeja cuts it to point region for a single.

Drinks break! Steven Smith dropped KL Rahul on the very first ball of the day, a chance Australia might come to regret. Aside from that early scare, Rahul has looked composed and solid, continuing to anchor India’s innings. Pat Cummins, however, was rewarded for his persistence as he won the battle against his opposite number, sending Rohit Sharma back to the pavilion. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood doesn’t seem to be operating at full fitness, which could be a concern for Australia as the day progresses. With 5 wickets in hand, the tourists trail by 351 runs and need another 152 runs to avoid the follow-on. Hazlewood has gone off the field after completing his over. Time for spin as Nathan Lyon comes on to bowl.

Well outside off, fuller in length, KL Rahul leans on and plays at it with soft hands. The ball goes off the outside edge to gully.

Angles one in, on a tight length, over middle and off, KL Rahul is tucked in for room but does well to taps it to mid-wicket.

Continues to keep the length short and over off, KL Rahul dabs it down the deck.

Short of a length again, on leg, Ravindra Jadeja looks to tuck it fine but misses. Tha balls dribbles behind off his thigh and the batters collect a leg bye.

Back of a length, just outside off, KL Rahul punches it to deep point for one.

FOUR! Well, a genuine loosener from Josh Hazlewood and KL Rahul is quick to cash in! Starts from over the wicket and keeps it on a length, wayward outside off. KL Rahul reaches for it and cuts it square on the off side for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood (5-2-17-1) comes into the attack for the first time in the day, replacing Mitchell Starc.

Very full, on the pads, KL Rahul flicks it to deep square leg region where the ball dies down before the rope and the batters collect comfortable three runs.

Bashes it into the deck does Cummins, over middle and leg, KL Rahul ducks under.

Back of a length, angling into leg, KL Rahul swivels inside the line and goes after it with not much conviction. Half a leave!

Outside off, on a good length, KL Rahul tucks his bat behind the front pad and leaves it alone.

Length, on off, Ravindra Jadeja taps it to covers and steals a quick single.

Back of a length, on middle, KL Rahul lifts his front leg and looks to pull but is undone by the extra bounce and gets a top edge that falls well behind short leg for one. Slightly uncanny from KL Rahul but great bowling by Cummins!

Back of a length, on off, Ravindra Jadeja keeps it out.

Pulls the length back, on middle and leg, Ravindra Jadeja works it through square leg for a couple and gets off the mark.

On a length, outside off, Ravindra Jadeja steers it to backward point.

FIFTY FOR KL RAHUL! What a gritty knock this has been from the most confident-looking player on this tour for India! Starc goes full and on off, KL eases it through the gap at covers and gets three runs to reach his milestone. Raises his bat to acknowledge the cheer from the dugout but the job is far from over!

FOUR! Tried it on the previous ball, but executed it a bit better this time. Back of a length, outside off, KL Rahul slices it over the slip cordon going after it with hard hands for a boundary.

Back of a length, outside off, KL Rahul rises with the bounce and looks to cut hard through covers but misses.

Full and on off, Ravindra Jadeja pushes it to mid off. End of another solid over from Pat Cummins!

Good length, around off, Ravindra Jadeja blocks.

Greets Jadeja with a bouncer over middle and leg, but he ducks under.

Ravindra Jadeja walks in at number 7.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Pat Cummins kept things so tight this morning and now he breaks through for them with his precision! The Indian skipper has to walk back for another low score and India are now 5 down for 74, trailing by another 371 runs. Cummins goes a bit fuller just around that fifth stump line, tempting the batter to play at it. Rohit Sharma goes after it with not much of conviction which was on display with his lack of foot movement and gets an outside edge straight into the mitts of Alex Carey behind the stumps. Pat Cummins is pumped up and why wouldn't he be? India need 172 more runs to avoid the follow-on.

Short ball, angling in on middle and leg, Rohit Sharma's eyes light up and he goes after the pull but misses. The ball looks to have come off his shirt before going to the keeper who appeals but the replays show that it missed everything.

Full, on off, Rohit Sharma blocks it with soft hands and gets an outside edge that dribbles back to gully.

Length around leg, KL Rahul looks to tuck it fine but misses.

Pulls the length back by a bit more and keeps it on off, Rohit Sharma cuts it through point where Mitchell Marsh dives to his right and makes a fine stop keeping it down to just a single.

Slightly short of a good length, around middle and leg, Rohit Sharma pushes it to mid-wicket.

Good length, on middle, Rohit Sharma blocks.

FOUR! STREAKY! So nearly crashed into the stumps! Hard length, around off, Rohit Sharma with not much of a foot movement looks to play at it and gets an inside edge that sneaks past the leg stump and races away to fine leg fence. Luck seems to be in India's favour this morning!

Nice looking shot from KL Rahul! A bit too full from Starc on off, KL Rahul drives it through the vacant point region. Nathan McSweeney from the slip cordon chases the ball and dives ahead to pull it back in, saving a run for his side. Great effort from the youngster as well!

Angling in, on a length, into the stumps, Rohit Sharma turns it around to short leg.

Back of a length, over off, Rohit Sharma blocks it to mid off.

Follows up with a good delivery, charging in at the stumps, on a nagging length, Rohit Sharma gets his bat low and stabs it down the deck.

FOUR! That will give Rohit Sharma a lot of confidence! Full and outside off, Rohit Sharma carves it off the outer half and gets it behind the square on the off side for his first boundary.

Serves it on a length with a scrambled seam, around the fifth stump line and gets the ball to shape away from the batter, Rohit Sharma has a feel for it but misses on the outside edge.

Into the pads, on a length, KL Rahul taps it to mid on for a single.

Fuller, just outside off, KL Rahul ekes out an inside edge to mid on trying to push at the delivery through covers. The batters steal a quick run challenging Hazlewood at mid on who fails to hit the target at the striker's end. Rohit makes his ground with a dive.

FOUR! Nicely done! Slightly overpitched outside off, KL Rahul crouches a bit and steers it with just a deft touch through gully for a boundary.

Gets one to nip back in, on a length, around middle and leg, Rohit Sharma is late on his tuck and the ball goes to fine leg off his thigh pad for a leg bye.

Back of a length, outside off, Rohit Sharma rises with the bounce but offers nothing to it.

A bit short of a good length, outside off, left alone by Rohit Sharma again.

Full and angling away, outside off, a real tempter for Rohit Sharma but he doesn't offer any shot.

Well outside off, on a fuller length, the ball bounces off the deck but KL Rahul is unbothered and leaves.

Outside off, on a length, there to be left alone and so is by Rahul.

Nasty nut from Cummins! Back of a length, right on the ribs, KL Rahul fails to tuck it and gets a blow on the side. A slight stare from Cummins but KL Rahul moves away.

Bangs it into the deck does Cummins, on a shorter length, angling into the batter, over leg, KL Rahul gets inside the line and leaves it alone.

Similar line and slightly pulled back length, KL Rahul holds his bat high and makes a very confident leave.

Nicely bowled! On a good length, just around off and shaping away off the deck. KL Rahul lunges to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Josh Hazlewood has now taken the field.

Goes very full and gets some inward shape in the air but Rohit Sharma gets low and pushes it out to mid off.

Drags the length back and keeps it on the ribs, KL Rahul tucks it behind square leg for one.

Fuller to Rohit Sharma, on middle and off, Rohit drives it on the up through covers for a single.

Bashes the deck hard, on a back of a length, on leg, KL Rahul is hurried by pace and loses his bottom hand trying to tuck it down. Manages to squeeze it wider off the keeper to his left and gets a single.

Good length, at the stumps, KL Rahul taps it to mid off.

Steams in from over the wicket and hits the good length, just outside off, KL Rahul doesn't free his arms for the drive the Aussies are trying to induce and blocks it down the deck.

It will be Mitchell Starc to share the attack with Cummins. 8-1-25-2 so far for Starc.

Similar line and length, Rohit Sharma keeps it well out. Good start from Cummins although a chance went down begging in this very first over of Day 4!

Goes a bit fuller in length and hones in at the stumps, Rohit Sharma gets his bat ahead and stabs it down the deck.

We are hearing that Josh Hazlewood has not taken the field, and the reason is not known at the moment. His namesake, Josh Inglis, has come on as a substitute fielder.

Wider outside off, on a length, Rohit Sharma shoulders arms.

Into the stumps, on a good length, KL Rahul clips it through mid-wicket and gets a single. First runs of the day!

Fuller and on middle, KL Rahul keeps it out.

DROPPED BY SMITH! Can you believe it? What could have been a perfect start for Australia has been spilt by Steven Smith! Cummins steams in from over the wicket and hurls it on a good length around off and gets some extra bounce on it off the deck. KL Rahul has a poke at it and gets an outside edge straight into the hands of Smith at second slip who drops an absolute dolly. The ball goes at waist height and hits Smith high on the palm before popping out. A big lifeline early in the day for Rahul!

All in readiness for the action to start. The sun is shining in all its glory as Pat Cummins and his men stride out to the centre. They are followed by the two Indian batters, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. Pat Cummins is at the top of his mark and he is raring to go. Rahul will face the first ball on Day 4. Three slips, a gully and a short leg in place. Let's play...

Great news! The morning in Brisbane has kicked off under promising skies, with the sun breaking through after some early showers. While the forecast teases the possibility of rain later, everything points to a timely and action-packed beginning for now. Here’s hoping the weather stays kind and lets the action unfold uninterrupted!

Amidst the chaos, KL Rahul stood out with a composed and gritty display, showing his teammates how it's done. If India are to put up a fight with the bat in the contest, the rest of the batting order will need to take a leaf out of Rahul's book. As for Australia, they will back themselves to bowl the tourists out twice. However, with rain forecasted today and tomorrow, the weather looms as a bigger challenge than India’s batting resistance. Stay tuned and let's hope that the weather allows an on-time start.

Australia resumed their innings at 405 and, with valuable contributions from Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc, pushed their total to a commanding 445 before being bowled out. In reply, India’s batting unit struggled with their application, reigniting concerns about their first-innings performances this year. That said, credit must be given to Australia’s formidable pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, who consistently hit the right areas to induce false shots.

Hello, everyone! If there’s one word to sum up yesterday, it would undoubtedly be exasperating. Choose any synonym you like, but it won’t change the story of frustration caused by rain. While the first session offered a substantial chunk of action, the rest of the day saw frequent interruptions, preventing any prolonged play.

... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...

India face a steep mountain ahead, requiring another 195 runs to avoid the follow-on which will be their top priority. Achieving that will buy them enough time to push the game towards a draw and avoid a defeat considering the potential weather stoppages for the next two days. KL Rahul has been solid in defence and free-flowing when scoring off loose deliveries, but he will need significant support from the remaining batters, with Rohit Sharma in particular being key. Meanwhile, Australia will be eager to tear through the Indian batting lineup and push for a favourable result. The stage is set for an intriguing Day 4. That said, the weather isn't looking too promising, and we may face more rain interruptions. However we have a 30-minute early start to Day 4, but you can join us well in advance for the buildup. Remember, the first ball will be bowled at 11.50 pm GMT (5.20 am IST), so make sure you don’t miss a single moment of the action! Until then, cheers and goodbye!

A lot of credit must go to the Australian pace attack for being right on the money, but the wickets India lost were largely self-inflicted, adding more pressure on the middle order to dig the team out of trouble once again. Starc set the tone early, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal, which was followed by a sharp breakthrough for Gill, who chased a delivery that should have been left alone. Kohli's ongoing struggles with lines outside off were expertly exploited by Josh Hazlewood, and the big wicket of Pant, claimed by Cummins, has put Australia in a commanding position in the game.

The visitors will likely feel a sense of relief as rain has not only eaten into crucial game time but also cushioned the impact of yet another top-order collapse. After a long and hard toil, the bowlers did well to restrict Australia to 445, conceding just 40 runs from their overnight total. However, familiar batting woes resurfaced, with soft dismissals leaving India firmly on the back foot in this contest.

And there it is - the final confirmation. STUMPS have been called on Day 3. On a day filled with numerous stop-start moments due to rain interruptions, Australia ensured they made the most of every opportunity during the 'starts.' They now find themselves in a commanding position, with India struggling at 51/4, trailing by another 394 runs looking to try and draw this game and avoid a defeat.

UPDATE - 7.16 am GMT (12.46 pm IST) - It has started to drizzle and the covers are called back onto the field! The umpires are taking another light reading as the players make their way off. The drizzle remains light but still enough to warrant the pitch being covered. At the moment, only the pitch is under covers, while the match officials continue their discussion in the middle. Given the fading light, this could very well be the final stoppage of the day, and the officials might decide to call it a day soon. However, we await a turnaround or an official confirmation. Stick around!

Tossed up, full and on off, Rohit gets on the front foot and defends it out on the off side.

Drags the length back and serves it quicker, on off, KL Rahul goes deep in his crease and punches it past cover for a single.

This is angled across, fuller and at the stumps, Rahul presses forward to pat it down the deck.

Turn and bounce! Dropped short by Head, spinning back in sharply, on middle and leg, Rahul looks to work it away with the turn but misses as the ball spins past the inside edge and catches him on the thigh pad.

On the pads, on a nagging length, Rahul fends it down in front of short leg.

Drops it short, over middle, Rahul rocks on the back foot and keeps it out.

Who will bowl from the other end now? It will be Travis Head!

Ends with a fuller ball, around leg, turns in sharply, Rohit Sharma comes forward and blocks it to short leg.

A big mix-up but no harm done! Flatter and shorter, on middle, Rahul goes on the back foot and clips it to the right of mid-wicket. Both batters set off for the run but seeing Pat Cummins slide in the direction of the ball, they stutter halfway through the run. Cummins fails to pick the ball up cleanly, allowing Rohit to make his ground at the batting end.

Pushed across, on a nagging length, on off, Rahul goes deep in his crease to keep it out.

Drops it short, around middle, turns in, KL Rahul tucks it to leg slip with ease.

On a nagging length, around middle and leg, KL Rahul goes deep in the crease and fends it down in front of short leg.

Starts from around the wicket with a slip and a leg slip, gives flight to this full ball, around leg, turns in, KL Rahul keeps it down to leg slip with ease.

Will Cummins continue from the other end? No, he won't! He decides to bring Nathan Lyon into the attack! The umpires had a quick discussion and took a light reading, and it’s clear that the fading light played a role in this decision, preventing Cummins from bowling.

Pushed across the batter, on a back of a length, Rohit Sharma lets it be.

Has Rohit been strangled down leg? Half a shout from the men behind the stumps but Mitchell Starc did not go up. There was a noise though. This is on a hard length, sliding down leg, Rohit shapes up to tickle it fine but misses and Alex Carey collects it while moving to his left. The replay from behind the wicket shows that the ball was well away from the glove.

Shaping back into the right-hander, on a good length, on off and middle, Rohit is a bit tentative to get on the front foot. Squeezes it out off the inner half of the bat in front of square leg.

At the hips from Starc, on a short of a good length, Rahul gets inside the line and hops to help it down to deep fine leg for a single.

Starc begins from over the wicket and hits the deck hard, on a back of a length, on middle, KL Rahul gets on top of the bounce and blocks it out.

We are back with the action! The umpires and players are out in the middle. It will be Mitchell Starc to continue his 8th over with KL Rahul to face. Here we go!

UPDATE - 6.59 am GMT (12.29 pm IST) - Good news! The light seems to be fine for the play to resume. Play to resume at 7.05 am GMT (12.35 pm IST). A minimum of 13.5 overs will be bowled, weather and light permitting. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma will have their work cut out, while Australia will be eager to make further inroads as they look to capitalize on the current position.

UPDATE - 6.52 am GMT (12.22 pm IST) - Well, we are inching closer to the resumption. The stumps have been erected and the Australians have started warming up. Oh hang, on, the light could be an issue as it is still quite gloomy. The fourth umpire has brought the light meter out and a reading will be taken soon. One of the two on-field umpires, Richard Kettleborough is seen having a chat with Pat Cummins, probably about the light.

UPDATE - 6.30 am GMT (12 pm IST) - The rain has subsided and the match officials are making their way out for an inspection. Only the square was covered and the live visuals show that the outfield is still quite wet, with water rising to the surface when pressed underfoot. As a result, another inspection has been scheduled for 6.50 am GMT (12.20 pm IST). Let’s hope the conditions improve in time for play to resume!

UPDATE - 6.07 am GMT (11.37 am IST) - The puddles have started to form on the outfield as the rain continues to fall steadily at The Gabba. However, this isn’t too worrying, as the ground is known for drying quickly. We saw on the opening day that even a brief 10-minute break in the rain led to visible improvement, with the puddles vanishing. Meanwhile, over in Hamilton, Tim Southee has struck early in his last bowling innings in Test cricket, accounting for Ben Duckett. England find themselves 17/1 after 3 overs, having been set a massive target of 658. You can switch tabs and follow the action from that game but don’t forget to check back here as we continue to wait for conditions to improve.

UPDATE - 5.49 am GMT (11.19 am IST) - Not a great sight as what started as a drizzle has now turned into a heavy downpour. The conditions continue to worsen, and we will have to wait and see when play can resume. It’s been a frustrating day for everyone involved, with the weather causing multiple delays.

UPDATE - 5.40 am GMT (11.10 am IST) - Oopsie! The rain is back and so are the covers. Contrary to our hopes, the spell of rain that was looming has unfortunately materialized. As a result, the start of the third session has been delayed, and we could be looking at a delay similar to the previous one. Let's hope it clears up soon.

UPDATE -  5.32 am GMT (11.02 am IST) - The covers are coming off and the play is set to resume at 5.45 am GMT (11.15 am IST). However, the forecast indicates another potential spell of rain on the radar. Fingers crossed it doesn’t materialize, and we can finally get the game moving again!

UPDATE - 5.22 am GMT (10.52 am IST) - Positive news! The skies have brightened up and the rain has eased. Now, it’s a matter of how long the mop-up work will take before the players can return to the field, assuming the weather holds up and there’s no further rain. Fingers crossed for some uninterrupted play ahead!

Amidst all the rain delays and wickets falling at the other end, Rahul has looked in a class of his own through his exhibition of driving. Australia, despite being in a commanding position, might feel a hint of frustration. With the tourists 198 more runs away from avoiding the follow-on, and more rain predicted over the coming days, the hosts will be eager to press home their advantage and aim to bowl India out twice. The frequent stoppages have been challenging for the bowlers as well but they have remained relentless in keeping constant pressure on the Indian batting unit. The radar for the rest of the day, however, paints a grim picture, with heavier rain expected compared to earlier. Let’s hope the rain gods allow some more action to unfold!

As steady rain continues to fall, TEA has been taken on Day 3! Well, that brings an end to a frustrating session, particularly for India. After losing three of their top four batters in the morning session, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant attempted to rebuild the innings. Pant showed early promise but frequent rain interruptions disrupted his and Rahul's momentum, forcing them to start afresh each time. Pant’s dismissal to Cummins just before the latest delay deepened India’s troubles.

UPDATE - 5 am GMT (10.30 am IST) - Not much to report as the rain continues at The Gabba, with the covers still firmly in place. It looks like we’re in for a longer wait, but we remain hopeful for a break in the weather so play can resume soon. Stay tuned for more updates!

UPDATE - 4.37 am GMT (10.07 am IST) - Oh no! Not again! The disappointment on KL Rahul’s face says it all. After playing that glorious shot for a boundary, the drizzle returns, forcing the players to leave the field once more as the covers are brought back on. With more rain in the forecast, we might be facing a longer delay. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops!

FOUR! Glorious! At 138.1 kph, going across the batter, on a length, Rahul plants his front foot ahead and stays balanced at the point of contact. Creams the drive through covers for a boundary.

Will we see a change in bowling? No, we won't! Starc to continue!

Almost a yorker from Cummins, on the off pole, Rohit drives it down the deck but gets it right off the toe end of the bat. It dribbles towards the bowler.

Skipper, Rohit Sharma makes his way out to the middle now!

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Pat Cummins strikes in the first over after the resumption! Cummins dismisses Pant for the third time in the series. Stays over the wicket for the left-hander and gets the ball to leave the batter, on a length, on off, Pant is drawn forward and he tries to defend it by keeping his bat close to the front pad. There is just enough movement that results in the ball grazing the outside edge and the keeper Alex Carey does the rest. India in further strife.

Slanting into the pads, on a length, Rahul flicks it to the left of deep fine leg for a single.

Well bowled! Angling in, drawing the batter forward and then it nips away, on off, Rahul lunges to block it out but gets beaten all ends up as the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

On a back of a length, on off, Rahul hangs back and takes the bottom hand off the bat as he steers it along the ground towards gully.

FOUR! Rahul is up and about straight away! Pat serves it on a length from over the wicket, around off, not much movement in the air or off the deck, Rahul leans into the drive and hits it through covers for a boundary.

We’re back in action with the same drill. The umpires and players head out to the middle, and KL Rahul along with Rishabh Pant are ready for the restart. Pat Cummins will resume his spell from the other end. Tea is scheduled for 5.30 am GMT (11 am IST), weather permitting, of course! Here we go again!

UPDATE - 4.17 am GMT (9.47 am IST) - Good news! The drizzle has come to a halt and the covers are coming off. Play will resume at 4.30 am GMT (10 am IST).

UPDATE - 4.03 am GMT (9.33 am IST) - Oh no! The drizzle returns once again, forcing the players off the field. The ground staff rush in with the covers, but it looks like this might just be another passing shower. Let’s hope it clears up quickly. Stay tuned for updates!

Closer to the off-stump line and the length stays full, Pant presents a straight bat and blocks it out.

Pitched up, on off, Pant defends it out on the off side.

Dishes it out on a back of a length, on off, Rahul lets the ball come to him and plays it right under his eyes. Punches it neatly through point but the ball slows down in the heavy outfield as a result of the rain. Three runs taken.

Shaping away late from the left-hander, fuller and on off, Pant is lured into it but he does well to defend it with soft hands and keeps the bat face slightly open. The ball gets past gully for a single.

At 141.5 kph, on a hard length, at the hips, Rahul gets on his toes and tucks it to the left of deep fine leg. He calls for two straight away but Josh Hazlewood is quick to get around to his left and keeps it down to one.

Lands it on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Rahul gets on top of the bounce and keeps it down in front of short leg.

This is on a length, on off, Rahul eases it wide of point and takes the single.

Fuller and on the pads, Rahul misses the tickle and wears it on the pads.

Angling in, on a short of a good length, on off, KL Rahul gets squared up in his defence as the ball holds its line and lifts a bit. The ball comes off the shoulder of the bat but since this was played with soft hands, it goes along the ground to gully.

At 132 kph, full and outside off, Pant shapes up to drive it through the off side. The bat turns in his hand and the ball rolls to the left of mid off for a single. Pant admonishes himself after getting to the other end as he feels he missed out there.

Seaming back in, on a good length, on middle, Pant almost plays all around it as he plants his front foot across. Ekes out an inside edge onto the pads.

Cummins begins from over the wicket, on a nagging length, on the off-stump line, Pant dabs it down on the off side.

Bashes the deck again does Starc and gets a good bounce off the deck, on off, Rahul looks to keep it out off the back foot. The ball hits high on the bat and rolls away on the off side.

Leaving the batter, on a short of a good length, Rahul hangs back and offers no shot.

Starc continues to bowl it full and gets it to shape away, on off, Pant lets the ball come to him and eases himself into the drive. Gets it to the right of mid off and collects three runs as Travis Head goes after it and mops it up. This was played away from the body, so, there was risk involved in the shot.

A hint of late away curve for Starc, full and on off, Pant shapes up to drive it to the left of the bowler but the away movement results in the ball catching the outer half of the bat. It goes along the ground towards the off side.

Fuller in length, on off from over the wicket, Rishabh presses forward and knocks it to mid off.

A rising delivery from Starc, at 136.8 kph, on a back of a length, on middle, Rahul rides the bounce well and fends it down. Drops it beside the pitch on the leg side and takes a single.

Mitchell Starc to continue from the other end!

Honing in at the stumps, on the fuller side, Rahul drops his bat down on the ball and pushes it to the right of mid on for a single.

Nipping back in, on off, on a back of a length, Rahul covers the off stump and shoulders arms.

On a back of a length, around off, Rahul rides the bounce and glides it between backward point and gully. A bit of yes and no between the two batters but in the end, they decide not to take the single as Nathan McSweeney gets around to cut it off.

In that probing channel on off, on a good length, Rahul lets the ball come to him and plays it late as he guides it towards gully.

A hint of seam movement back into the right-hander, on a good length, on the off-stump line, Rahul is unsure whether to leave or play. Rahul tries to dab his bat behind the front pad. The ball catches the outer half of the bat and rolls along the ground to the slip cordon.

The action is set to resume! The umpires and players are back out on the field, and it will be Josh Hazlewood continuing his spell, bowling to KL Rahul. With a short leg in place, away we go!

UPDATE - 3.29 am GMT (8.59 am IST) - Good news! The rain has stopped, and the covers are being removed. A couple of match officials are in discussion with a member of the ground staff. The restart time has been confirmed - play will resume at 3.45 am GMT (9.15 am IST), with a minimum of 67 overs to be bowled. However, with more showers forecast throughout the day, it's unlikely that all the overs will be completed.

UPDATE - 3.17 am GMT (8.47 am IST) - The rain has reduced a bit in intensity but it is still quite steady. It seems like we are in for a longer delay compared to the interruptions we have had so far today. Stay tuned for more news.

UPDATE - 3.06 am GMT (8.36 am IST) - Uh no! The drizzle returns, forcing the players to leave the field as the ground staff quickly bring on the covers once again. Frustration continues to build as the weather plays spoilsport. What began as a light drizzle has now strengthened into a steady rain. It took some effort for the covers to be properly secured, with strong winds sweeping across the ground. Let’s hope this breeze blows away the cloud cover and rain, allowing play to resume soon. Stick around for updates!

At 131.4 kph, on off, full in length, Pant lunges to block it out with soft hands. Gets it off the outer half of the bat to the right of backward point for a single.

Oh, Rishabh Pant backs away very late and raises a hand of apology to Hazlewood straightaway! Something seems to have gone in Pant's eyes.

Pushed across the batter, on a good length, Rahul gets close to the line of the ball and holds his bat high up to let the ball go through.

Bangs it on a hard length, over off and middle, Rahul gets behind the line to stab it down the deck.

At 141.3 kph, fuller this time, around off, Rahul leans into the shot and pushes it to cover.

Angling away, on a length, KL Rahul tucks his bat behind the front pad and leaves the ball alone.

Slips a length delivery, down leg, Rahul lets it go. Alex Carey collects it with a dive to his left.

Going across the batter from over the wicket, on a good length, Rahul watches it closely and makes a watchful leave.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Mitchell Starc (4-0-11-2) to continue!

Straying onto the pads, on a length, Rahul helps it down to deep fine leg for a single.

Lands it on a back of a length, in the channel on off, Rahul hops and shoulders arms.

A hint of nibble back into the right-hander, on off, on a length, Rahul presses forward to defend. Squeezes out an inside edge that gets past short leg and rolls only as far as square leg.

Pant gets off the mark straight away! Josh starts with a full delivery, attacking the stumps, Pant plants his front foot across and brings his wrists into play. Whips it to the left of mid on. Travis Head gives a chase and cuts it off. Three runs taken.

We are back with the afternoon session! The sky has darkened a bit, and a strong breeze is sweeping across the ground. The umpires stride out to the middle, followed by the Australians, who break from their huddle. KL Rahul is now joined by Rishabh Pant, who steps in at number five for India. Josh Hazlewood is set to continue his over, and all eyes are on India to see if they can steady the ship in this challenging phase.

... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...

The road ahead is nothing short of monumental for India. To claw their way out of this precarious position and get anywhere close to Australia’s imposing first-innings total, they will need to carefully navigate the first 10-15 overs, which are proving pivotal with plenty of movement both off the deck and in the air. India’s survival hinges on building a couple of substantial partnerships, but more importantly, they must trust their defences, a trait that has been sorely lacking so far. On the other hand, Australia will be eager to capitalize on the hardness of the new ball, aiming to rip through India’s middle order and tighten their grip on the game. It's a critical session ahead, one that could define the trajectory of this game. Stay tuned!

To make matters worse for India, the Australian pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood tore through the top order, leaving the visitors reeling at 22/3. Starc struck in the very first over, removing Yashasvi Jaiswal, and soon followed up with the wicket of Shubman Gill, further deepening India's woes. KL Rahul showed resilience amidst the carnage, weathering the fiery spells and taking a few painful blows, but holding his ground at one end. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli faced a stern examination with probing lines outside off stump and eventually fell into Hazlewood's well-set trap, edging one to the keeper.

Jasprit Bumrah kickstarted India’s efforts by breaking the resilient 38-run partnership with the dismissal of Mitchell Starc. Following that, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep cleaned up the tail, despite Alex Carey’s valiant attempt to add valuable runs from one end. In the end, Australia were bowled out for an imposing 445 runs, leaving India with a tough task ahead.

Another session firmly dominated by Australia! India began Day 3 with hopes of making significant progress and managed to wrap up the Australian innings at 445, conceding 40 runs to their overnight total. However, three quick wickets in India’s reply have firmly pushed them onto the back foot.

UPDATE - 2.18 am GMT (7.48 am IST) - Great news! The passing shower has moved on. Play was briefly interrupted, but it’s a relief to see the weather clearing up once again. However, LUNCH has been taken. India will likely be relieved that the break has come, as there wasn't much time left before the interval, and having to start and stop again would not have been ideal. That said, there has been no rhythm to their innings so far, or should we say Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood's excellent bowling has ensured they haven't been able to settle into one.

UPDATE - 2.08 am GMT (7.38 am IST) - Oh dear, all of a sudden, it has started to drizzle and the umpires call for the covers. While the interruption halts Australia’s momentum, it offers India a much-needed breather to reassess their approach against the relentless Aussie pace attack which at the moment is all over Indian batting.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Josh Hazlewood gets in on the act now! It's that line outside off which has led to Kohli's downfall once again. Josh pitches it up and serves it in that teasing line outside the off-stump, Kohli goes chasing the delivery instead of the safer option of leaving it alone. The outside edge is found and the keeper Alex Carey gobbles it with ease around his waist. The Australians get around Starc to applaud him for his effort on the previous ball which brought Kohli on strike. India are in all sorts of trouble. They are 22/3, trailing by 423 runs.

Good cricket all around! Josh bends his back and digs it in short, over middle, Rahul swivels and rolls his wrists on the ball to pull it along the ground to the left of deep fine leg. Mitchell Starc is quick across the turf to his left and dives to keep it down to one.

On a good length, angling across, Virat Kohli shoulders arms.

Oh, that had Kohli in all sorts of discomfort! A steep bumper from Starc from over the wicket, at the left shoulder of the batter, Kohli was better off ducking under it. Tries to fend it down by getting his bat high up. Wears it on the glove and it drops in the vacant short leg region. Kohli looks down at the deck.

Another one that is angled across the batter, on a length, Kohli gets close to the line of the ball and transfers his weight onto the front foot to punch it to mid off.

Fuller in length, going across the batter, Kohli leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.

On a short of a good length, outside off, Rahul rides the bounce and guides it in front of point for a single.

This is served on a length, at the stumps, a hint of shape back in, Kohli presses forward to drive it down the ground. Gets it off the inner half of the bat to the right of mid on and takes a quick single.

A tighter line, in the channel on off, on a back of a length, Rahul lets it be.

FOUR! A risky shot by Rahul! Width on offer on off, on a length, Rahul tries to cash in on the width as he flashes hard. Gets an outside edge that flies towards gully. Mitchell Marsh leaps across to his right but it goes well over and wide of his outstretched right palm. Australia won't mind this shot from Rahul.

The length is pulled back now, on off, Rahul hops to dab it down on the off side. Gets an inside edge onto the thigh pad.

FOUR! First real loose delivery of the inning and it gets punished! A bit too full from Hazlewood, outside off, Rahul collapses his back knee and drives it through covers for a boundary.

Jagging back in, on a hard length, on middle, Rahul drops his hands down on the ball. It goes on the bounce to the left of short leg where Travis Head makes the stop.

Josh serves it full, outside off, Rahul offers no shot.

NO BALL! Slanting in, on a nagging length, on middle and leg, Kohli tickles it down to deep fine leg and gets to the other end. Hazlewood has overstepped.

Back to hitting the deck hard, on a back of a length, over the top of off, Rahul defends it with soft hands as he takes one hand off the bat. The outside edge goes to the ground and it bursts through the slip cordon but Usman Khawaja goes after it and prevents the single with a slide.

This swings back in late towards the right-hander, very full, on the off-stump line, Rahul gets his front pad out of the way and eases the drive to the left of the bowler. Rahul collects a couple of runs as the mid on fielder gives it a chase and mops it up.

Lands it full, on off, at 142.1 kph, Rahul firms the drive but can't get it past mid off.

Going across the batter, on a good length, Rahul puts his bat behind the front pad and leaves the ball alone.

Skidding through, on a back of a length, on off, Rahul stays on the back foot and turns it to mid-wicket.

At 139.2 kph, a good bounce off the deck, on off, on a hard length, Rahul rises with the bounce and fends it down near his feet.

Nipping back in off the wicket, on a length, on off, Kohli gets a stride in to defend but ends up playing outside the line of the ball due to the movement. The ball catches the inside edge and rolls beside the pitch.

Outside off, on a good length, left alone by Kohli.

Fuller this time, just outside the off stump, Virat Kohli shoulders arms.

Lovely stuff! Angling in from over the wicket, on a length, on off, Kohli looks to defend it with a straight bat. The ball holds its line and goes past the outside edge.

Bashes the hard length again, on middle and leg, Virat Kohli stays back and dabs it down on the leg side.

This is on a back of a length, jagging back in, on middle, Kohli hops to turn it away on the leg side. Gets beaten on the inside edge and it lobs off the thigh pad and drops in front of the rushing Hazlewood in his follow through.

Pitched up again by Starc, on middle, Rahul pushes it with a straight bat back to the bowler.

Fuller in length, swinging back in, on off, Rahul defends it right under his eyes.

Starc hurls a length delivery, on off and middle, Kohli lunges to defend but the ball shapes back in to catch the inside edge onto the pads. It rolls beside the pitch on the off side and Kohli gets called through for a quick single by Rahul.

Oh, that's a beauty! Starc drags the length back and gets the ball to go away, on off, Kohli hangs back to keep it out but gets beaten as the ball kicks up a bit and whizzes past the outside edge.

Almost two in two for Starc! Full and angling across the right-hander, Kohli goes chasing the delivery and drives away from his body. He is lucky not to nick it behind.

Virat Kohli walks out to bat at number 4 for India!

OUT! WHAT A GRAB! Mitchell Marsh is off on a celebratory run! Starc lands it full and outside off, Shubman Gill is lured into the drive and goes at it with hard hands. It flies quickly off the outside edge and goes to the left of gully where Mitchell Marsh leaps across to his left and makes a tough catch look easy. Just 13 balls in the innings and India are in trouble losing two quick wickets for just 6 runs!

A tempter from Hazlewood, full and wide on off, inviting the drive, Rahul resists and lets it be.

On a back of a length, a hint of width on offer on off, Rahul shoulders arms.

Angling in, on off, on a length, Rahul presses forward and blocks it out with his bat close to the front pad.

Fuller this time from Josh, in the channel on off, KL Rahul makes a leave, keeping his bat close to himself and behind the front pad.

Nipping back in, on a nagging length, just outside the off-stump line, KL Rahul looks to get in line of the ball. He adjusts well and tucks his bat inside to let the ball go through.

Nasty blow on the left forearm for KL Rahul! Just where the glove strap ends! The physio is out for a check as he seems to be in a lot of pain. Right then, after some treatment, Rahul is good to carry on!

Oh, that's a snorter first up from Hazlewood! This jags back in sharply and shoots off the deck from a good length, on off, KL Rahul tries to press forward to defend it down the deck but the ball rears up and catches Rahul on the left wrist. It hits him on the strap of the left glove. Rahul drops his bat immediately and walks away towards the off side.

It will be Josh Hazlewood to share the attack from the other end!

Oh, that could have easily gone back onto the stumps! Starc lands it full again, around off, Rahul is a bit tentative to get on the front foot. Looks to play it on the off side and gets an inside edge that goes down to deep fine leg for a single.

Pushed across the batter from over the wicket, on a length, KL Rahul lets it be.

A bit too straight from Starc, on a back of a length, at the hips, Gill glances it down to deep fine leg for a single to get off the mark.

Full and shaping back into the right-hander, on midlde and leg, Shubman Gill stabs it down on the leg side.

Shubman Gill walks out to bat at number 3 for India!

OUT! TAKEN! Mitchell Starc gets Jaiswal again! A soft dismissal. Starc dishes out a full delivery, on middle and leg, Yashasvi Jaiswal's eyes light up as he gets this one on the pads. Fails to keep the shot along the ground as he flicks. It goes straight to Mitchell Marsh who is standing at a position which is neither square leg nor mid-wicket and he is in really tight in front of square on the leg side. Marsh snaffles it with ease around his face.

FOUR! Yashasvi Jaiswal and India are underway in a streaky fashion! Starc serves it full from over the wicket, and shaping away late, on off, Yashasvi Jaiswal looks to drive it down the ground with a straight bat. Gets an outside edge that goes low and wide of the diving gully fielder to his left for a boundary.

OUT! CAUGHT! Akash Deep finally manages to get a wicket under his name and Australia are all out for 445 runs! Deep digs it short of a length, over middle and off, Alex Carey opens up his stance and is early on the pull shot. He goes through the shot and only manages to skew it off the lower end of his bat, straight to Shubman Gill at deep mid-wicket who takes a very simple catch. Alex Carey departs for 70 off 88 balls!

On a good length, outside off, Hazlewood looks to poke at it but withdraws his shot making a leave.

Drags the length down, outside off, Josh Hazlewood has a wild swing across but misses on making any connection.

A bit fuller in length, on off, Josh Hazlewood steers it to backward point.

Josh Hazlewood is the last man in.

OUT! CLEANED'EM UP! Mohammed Siraj goes through the defences of Lyon! Comes from over the wicket and hurls it on a good length, on off and angling into the stumps, Nathan Lyon looks for a lofted stroke down the ground but the ball sneaks through the huge gap between his bat and pad to rattle the stumps. Australia are now 445/9.

Very full, on off, Nathan Lyon looks to drive it straight but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Fires in a yorker straight up does Siraj. Nathan Lyon does very well to get his bat down in time and digs it out to the on side.

Mohammed Siraj (22.2-4-97-1) comes on to bowl.

FOUR! Akash Deep continues to dig it in short, over middle and Carey goes deep in the crease and pulls it through the vacant mid-wicket region for a boundary. Nathan Lyon to face the next over then!

Mohammed Siraj is seen loosening up near the ropes, so, we could see him into the attack soon. The field comes up for the last ball of the over.

Short and outside off, Alex Carey tries to pull but misses.

Short of a length, on middle, Alex Carey rolls his wrist over the ball and pulls it to deep fine but stays happy at the crease denying the single.

Fuller and on middle, Alex Carey pushes it back to the bowler.

Another shorter one, on off, Alex Carey pulls it to long on but doesn't take the run. Strange approach from Carey who isn't trusting Lyon with pace at the other end!

Short of a length, on off, Alex Carey defends.

A bit quicker and fuller at the stumps, Nathan Lyon stabs it down the pitch.

Fired in at the stumps, Lyon blocks it out.

Wider, outside off, Nathan Lyon attempts the sweep and misses. Rohit Sharma is heard asking Jadeja to target the stumps.

Full, on middle, Nathan Lyon taps it to mid on.

A very loud appeal for LBW, but turned down by the umpire. Rohit Sharma after a discussion with Rishabh Pant sends it upstairs for a check. Jadeja bowls it on a length, around off, Nathan Lyon looks for a slog sweep but misses and gets hit on the pad. The UltraEdge shows nothing but the Ball Tracking shows the impact to be outside off. The onfield call of NOT OUT stays. India now have one review left.

Tossed up, on middle and leg, Alex Carey taps it to square leg and gets a single.

On a good length, on off, Nathan Lyon blocks it towards cover.

Fuller, on off, Nathan Lyon punches it to deep point and scampers two good runs.

Oh dear, that's wayward from Akash Deep! Very full and very wide on off, outside the cut strip. Rishabh Pant does exceptionally well to dive to his left and stop the ball as the batters steal a run. It is given as a wide because the ball was past the popping crease when it landed outside the cut strip.

Short one, over middle and leg, Alex Carey ducks under it.

On a length, on middle and off, Alex Carey makes some room and punches it to long off but doesn't take the run.

Back of a length, on off, Alex Carey guides it to point.

Oh, so nearly got the outside edge! On a length, outside off, Alex Carey looks to play at it away from his body but the ball zips past his bat, beating the outside edge not by much.

Another over, safely negotiated by Lyon! Quicker and fuller, on off, Lyon blocks.

Drags the length down by a bit and keeps it around off, Nathan Lyon steers it to short third.

Tossed up, around off, Lyon pushes it to the off side.

Full and on middle and off, Nathan Lyon drags it back to the bowler with an angled bat.

A lot of revs on this one, fuller and on off, Lyon blocks.

Short and into the pads, Alex Carey turns it around to deep square leg and takes a single off the very first ball.

The mop-up work is complete and we are all set for the play to resume. The two umpires and players have made their way out to the middle. Ravindra Jadeja is at the top of his mark. Jadeja to Carey. Let's play...

UPDATE - 12.36 am GMT (6.06 am IST) - Good news! It was indeed a passing shower and the covers are coming off. The sun is also out, which is a good sign. We have a restart time - Play will resume at 12.45 am GMT (6.15 am IST). Steven Smith is still in his training gear, so it seems Australia will continue to bat.

UPDATE - 12.32 am GMT (6.02 am IST) - The drizzle has intensified and the umpires signal for the players to leave the field as the ground staff rush in with the covers. Blue skies are visible on one side, so this could very well be a passing shower.

Short in length, on middle and leg, Nathan Lyon tucks it to square leg.

Angling into the pads, on a length, Alex Carey clips it to mid-wicket for a single.

On a length, around middle and off, Alex Carey blocks.

The sun has disappeared and it has gone a bit gloomy. Pat Cummins and Australian head coach Andrew McDonald are spotting having a chat. Cummins then approaches one of the players carrying the drinks, potentially to relay a message at the end of this over. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood remains padded up. Uh oh, it has started to drizzle.

Good length, on middle, Alex Carey pushes it back to the bowler.