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Have Australia Made A Huge Blunder By Keeping Gabba Test Late In BGT?

Jatin

Australia's scheduling of the Gabba Test has misfired big time [Source: @cricket.com.au/x.com]Australia's scheduling of the Gabba Test has misfired big time [Source: @cricket.com.au/x.com]

Rain, rain, go away! Australia might just be chanting this on repeat as the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba is slowly turning into a damp squib. With rain refusing to stay out of the picture for four straight days, questions are being asked: Did Australia make a blunder by scheduling the Gabba Test so late in the series?

Rain Wreaks Havoc on Australia’s Fortress

The Gabba in Brisbane has long been Australia’s happy hunting ground. The pace, bounce, and early movement have traditionally handed their quicks a massive advantage, making it one of the toughest venues for visiting teams. It’s no wonder Australia usually uses the Gabba to kick off Test series: start strong, intimidate the opposition, and build momentum.

But this time around, the Gabba Test was pushed late into the series. And it has come back to haunt them. Rain has been an uninvited guest throughout this match. Day 1 saw just 13.2 overs bowled before the heavens opened up.

Day 2 gave the Aussies a breather, but Day 3 turned into a chaotic stop-start affair, with the players trudging off and back onto the field no fewer than eight times. Day 4 hasn’t been any kinder either, and Australia’s hopes of bundling out India to force a win are fading with every drizzle.

Did Australia Shoot Themselves in the Foot?

Here’s the thing: Brisbane in late November is far more conducive for cricket. The weather is usually clear, the pitch is fresh, and the conditions favour the home team. By pushing the Gabba Test deeper into December, Australia has walked right into a weather trap. Brisbane’s notorious summer showers are wreaking havoc, and the Aussies are paying the price for messing with tradition.

Remember the 2020-21 series? That time, the Gabba Test was also kept last because of COVID-related scheduling chaos. India broke the fortress, and the image of Rishabh Pant smashing the winning runs still stings for many Aussie fans. You’d think Australia would’ve learned their lesson, but here we are.

Rain and Missed Opportunities

The worst part? Australia had been on track to dominate. They piled up 445 runs, putting themselves in a great position. The bowlers then reduced India to 51/4, and it looked like the hosts were all set to steamroll their way to victory. But the weather gods clearly have had other plans.

The rain has been relentless, cutting off valuable overs for the Aussie quicks to seal the deal. A Test that should’ve been Australia’s ticket to take charge of the series is now slipping through their fingers.

Timing is Everything

For years, the Gabba has been Australia’s launchpad for success in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Moving it later into the schedule has thrown a spanner in the works. Had this match been played earlier, the Aussies could’ve banked on better weather and maximized their advantage. Instead, they’re now at the mercy of Brisbane’s unpredictable showers.

What’s Next for Australia?

If this Test ends in a draw, Australia will have no one to blame but themselves. Scheduling the Gabba Test late has turned what should’ve been their ace into a joker. For a team so proud of its history and traditions, this feels like a rare misstep.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is hanging in the balance, and Australia might have just handed India a lifeline on a platter—thanks to the weather and some poor planning. If they want to reclaim their dominance, it’s clear what needs to happen next time: Keep the Gabba Test where it belongs—right at the start.

After all, why mess with a winning formula?