TALE OF RAIN AND PAIN FOR INDIA'S TOP-ORDER

On a day that witnessed multiple delays due to weather, visitors lose four big wickets and now have an uphill task to save the match

- SOMESH S

Just as Australia were getting into a huddle after the second rain break on Day 3 at the Gabba, there was a huge gasp at the media centre. India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was taking throw-downs just before going into bat for the first time at this venue, had mistakenly hit one towards the Australian huddle. The ball didn't hit any player, but the video-person with Cricket Australia seemed to have taken the blow to the ankle. Usman Khawaja came out of the huddle to check his leg while Jaiswal apologised, first from where he stood, and then walking closer, checking if everything was okay. All through this, the videographer had a smile, taking it like a sport.

That was perhaps the only moment that the Indian contingent would have smiled, at least in the hour that followed.

Seconds later, Jaiswal was in the middle, taking strike against Mitchell Starc. The first ball of the innings was pitched full on off-stump line, with a slight away swing that Jaiswal had to play at it. He brought the bat down straight and the ball flew off the outside edge for four. The signs were that it was going to be a real brawl between bat and ball. Either India are going to bundle out like they did on the first day of the series in Perth, or put their head down and bat like they did in the second innings of the same match.