R Ashwin during press conference after Brisbane Test between India and Australia.© X (formerly Twitter)

Former Indian captain and legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar reacted to Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement decision’s impact on the team and said the allrounder the same what Dhoni did during 2014-15 Asutralia series. Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket immediately following the drawn Gabba Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gavaskar drew parallels to MS Dhoni’s mid-series retirement during the 2014-15 Test series in Australia, arguing that such decisions disrupt team planning. “He could have said, listen after the end of the series, I won’t be available for selection for India. What it does is that, similarly when MS Dhoni retired at the end of the 3rd Test in 2014-15 series, it leaves you one short,” Gavaskar told broadcasters.

“The selection committee has picked so many players for a tour with a purpose. If there are any injuries they can select from the reserve players to have in the team. So, Sydney is somewhere where there is a lot of support on offer for spinners. So India could have played with two spinners. You never know. He could have been there for sure. I don’t know how the pitch in Melbourne will be like. Normally, you tend to look at the end of the series. That’s it. In the middle, it is not usual,” he added.

When asked if Washington Sundar was being groomed to replace Ashwin, Gavaskar admitted it seemed likely. “Maybe Washington Sundar is ahead of him. Rohit mentioned that Sundar is flying out tomorrow. So, this marks the end of Ashwin as an international cricketer. He has been one heck of a cricketer,” Gavaskar said.

Menwahile, Sundar posted a heartfelt post for state-mate Ashwin on Instagram, following the allrounder’s retirement. “More than just a teammate – Ash anna, you have been an inspiration, a mentor and a true champion of the game. It’s been an honour to share the field and the dressing room with you.”

“Coming from the same state of TN, I have grown up watching you from the close corners of Chepauk to playing against you and alongside you. Every moment has been a privilege. The learnings, both on and off the field are something I will carry with me forever. Wishing you success and happiness in whatever comes next,” the post read.

Ashwin’s retirement comes at a crucial juncture in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with the series delicately poised 1-1 with the drawn Gabba Test. His absence leaves a gap in India’s bowling arsenal, especially as they prepare for the upcoming Test in Melbourne and Sydney, traditionally a spinner-friendly venue.

File photo of KL Rahul.© AFP

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File photo of Ravichandran Ashwin (left) and Ravindra Jadeja© AFP

Only 13.2 overs were bowled on Day 1 of the 3rd Test between India and Australia with rain causing an early suspension to the day’s play on Saturday. Put into bat by India captain Rohit Sharma, Australia finished the day on 28-0 with Usman Khawaja 19 not out and Nathan McSweeney unbeaten on four. The rain persisted throughout the day and the umpires eventually called off play midway through the final session. To make up for the lost overs, the play will begin 30 minutes prior (5:20 AM IST) to the scheduled start (5:50 AM IST), but only if the weather allows.

There was plenty of rain in Brisbane in the lead up to the match, before clear sky appeared on the eve of the match, raising hopes of a full day’s play on Saturday.

As as per the forecast, the rain is likely to return on Day 2 as per the Australian government’s Bureau of Meteorology.

“Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Light winds becoming southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the evening,” the forecast suggested.

The Bureau of Meteorology has also issued a red alert, as per Accuweather, with “minor flood warning”. There is more than 50 per cent chance of rain on Sunday.

Here’s the hourly weather forecast of Brisbane for Sunday:

After a week of downpours in Brisbane, Rohit would have expected plenty of movement from his opening bowlers, but they struggled to find their length.

Spearhead Jasprit Bumrah appeared down on pace early and Mohammed Siraj was equally unthreatening.

The forecasted rain first came 25 minutes into the day’s play, causing a half-hour delay, and when the players returned Akash Deep at last found the perfect length with movement in the air and off the wicket.

He troubled McSweeney in particular, but 35 minutes later much heavier rain sent the players from the field for the second time.

(With AFP Inputs)

India vs Australia 3rd Test Live Streaming and Live Telecast: It will be a Test of character for the Indian cricket team as it faces a resurgent Australia in the third Test of the five-match series at The Gabba, Brisbane. The visitors won the first game by 295 runs to take an early lead in the series, despite the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma. Jasprit Bumrah, the Player of the Match, not only shone with his performance in bowling but also captained the side in absence of Rohit.

Came in the right-handed batter Rohit in the second Test and it seemed that a stronger India will put more pressure on Australia, but the result of the second game was opposite. Against the run of play, Australia bounced back and registered a one-sided 10-wicket win over the visitors.

With two matches done, the series is levelled at 1-1 and the winner of the third game is definitely going to have a superb advantage from this point. This makes the third game all-more crucial.

When will the India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy start?

The India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy will start on December 14 (IST).

Where will the India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy be held?

The India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be held at the Gabba, Brisbane.

What time will play start in the India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy?

Play in the India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy will start at 5:50 AM IST. The toss will take place at 5:20 AM.

Which TV channels will show the live telecast of the India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy?

The India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network and DD Sports.

Where to follow the live streaming of the India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy?

The India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be live streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)