Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath suggested that the Australian team should have confidence in their ability to dismiss India in the ongoing Test match at the Gabba, Brisbane. India’s batting line-up has struggled throughout the series, failing to reach 200 runs in three of their four innings.
“Back in our day, we probably would’ve declared. Back yourself to knock them over. You’ve got to consider the rain,” McGrath said.
Speaking on ABC Radio, McGrath criticised Australia‘s decision to continue batting, suggesting they should have declared earlier, particularly in light of potential rain interruptions.
He referred to past practices, indicating that during his era, they would have likely declared and forced India to bat before rain disrupted play.
His comments highlight the importance of tactical decision-making and the need to back oneself, especially in the context of unpredictable weather conditions.
Heavy rain significantly affected the first day of the third Test match, limiting play to fewer than 15 overs. Australia, batting first, ended the rain-curtailed day at 28 without loss after 13.2 overs.
On day two, India’s seam bowlers initially troubled Australia’s top order. However, centuries from Travis Head and Steven Smith shifted the momentum decisively in Australia’s favour.
Head’s aggressive 152 and Smith’s more measured 101 formed a 241-run partnership, rescuing Australia from a precarious position. By the end of the second day, Australia had reached 405 for 7.
India eventually bowled Australia out for 445 in their first innings before lunch on day three. Rain continued to disrupt the match, limiting Australia’s bowling opportunities to just 17 overs.
Nonetheless, this was enough for Australia’s pace bowlers to dismantle India’s top order, leaving them reeling at 51 for 4 at the close of play, trailing Australia by 394 runs.
