If Cricket Australia had heeded Shane Warne’s advice in 2022, the Australian team might be doing much better against India in the third Test at the Gabba.
The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series is heading towards a draw on Day 5, after India were bowled out for 260 early on the final morning and rain washed out the rest of the session.
Australia have set up a chance of a result, offering India a target of 275 with 54 overs to survive following a chaotic middle session.
Heavy clouds continue to surround the ground, and more rain is forecast for Wednesday afternoon. A draw is the most likely result.
But if Warne was listened to, the Aussies could be leading the series 2-1 instead of it being 1-1.
Cricket legend Shane Warne suggested the Brisbane and Sydney Tests should be swapped
The Gabba Test is heading towards a draw after rain delays throughout
Speaking months before his death in 2022, Warne suggested that the Sydney and Brisbane Tests should be switched around because of weather patterns.
‘It’s better weather (at the start of the season) than it is in the first week of January,’ Warne said.
‘It just seems to always rain in the Test match. It’s such a beautiful venue, such a beautiful city. Imagine if the tourists, and any opposition team, came here to Sydney and had 10 days on the harbour and loosening up, getting ready and then play the first Test in Sydney rather than the fourth Test always in the New Year.
‘Maybe it’s time for a change. I know Australia won’t want to lose that first Test match in Brisbane, but it hasn’t been that well attended the Brisbane Test match either.
‘Whereas maybe Brisbane could be the New Year Test match and Sydney could be the first one.’
Warnie’s pleas were not listened to – and the Sydney Test match will not be shifting anytime soon.
Ground staff have been the busiest people at the Gabba for the majority of the Test, with every session on days one, three, four and five impacted by rain.
A draw result means India and Australia will leave Brisbane level at 1-1 in the series, with two Tests to play.
Australia have been frustrated by rain at the Gabba during the third Test
Australia will feel they have been the better the slightly of the two sides in Brisbane, after scoring 445 in their first innings and claiming a 185-run lead.
But they have likely lost Josh Hazlewood for the rest of the series due to a calf injury, with medical staff not expecting him to play in Melbourne or Sydney.
His absence forced Pat Cummins (4-81) and Mitchell Starc (3-83) to bowl 46 overs between them in India’s first innings.
The draw also means India are only one win away from retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, given a drawn series would mean they keep the prize as its current holders.
