Former Australian captain Allan Border fears the hosts may have missed a chance to push for victory by batting beyond tea at the Gabba.
Australia were dismissed for 294 on Monday’s rain-impacted fourth day, creating what would be a ground-record 328 chase for India to win the Test and the series.
But the visitors’ pursuit was cut short in the second over as more rain hit Brisbane, with India 0-4 when early stumps were called, with more rain expected overnight and on Tuesday’s final day.
With the hosts needing to win the Test to win the series, former skipper Allan Border had implored Australia to declare with a 276-run lead when rain forced an early tea break.
“We left it a little later than I would’ve done, given the circumstances,” he told Fox Sports.
“I can’t remember ever delaying a declaration where we didn’t win the game, so if Australia go on and win the game tomorrow you can’t criticise at all.”
Shane Warne said he felt India did the game a favour by bowling an Australian side out that never appeared likely to declare.
Former Test wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist had his theory as to why they held off.
“I can only assume they tried to prepare as if there wasn’t going to be rain,” Gilchrist told Fox Sports.
“It might’ve been a little naive (given the bleak forecast) but 120 overs to chase 320 (on day five), that’s not off the table … so I guess they factored that in.”
Batsman Steve Smith is hopeful they’ll have enough time to take the 10 wickets required, but said it could be out of their hands.
“It’s hard to say with the weather … we’re certainly not weathermen,” he said.
“Tomorrow it’ll be about using that day five pitch and holding on to our chances … just letting it happen and not trying to force it.”
Australia hold the record for the biggest successful Gabba chase, managing 236 against the West Indies in 1951.
But there have been some monster fourth-innings efforts over the years, Pakistan at the top of the list with 450 in what proved a failed pursuit of 490 in 2016.
Just last week India held on for 131 overs, losing just five wickets as Australia hunted victory in a drawn third Test at the SCG.
Munro Mike
Roar Rookie
and with hindsight.......... ......the last day in Sydney showed us the bowling attack was tiring, and in the case of Starc was questionable for the role. And even Lyon. This is India we had to dislodge........not a flighty Pakistan, a nervous NZ or an understrength Sri Lanka. That said............how good was Pujara to put his body in the way and deny Australia. What a class act he was....."whatever it takes".
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
I'll swap ya Green for hazelwood in that analysis.
Scotty P
Roar Rookie
lol
Bludger
Guest
They should have played for the draw.
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
A few summers
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Should have declared today at tea
Bill
Guest
India has been epic, they deserve that win & the series. Aus has been terrible, only Smith, Labs, Cummins and Hazlewood can hold their heads up. The rest, hang your heads in shame. Bill
sheek
Roar Guru
It's a good thing Paine hasn't listened to ex-player commentators in 3rd & 4th test about early declarations, or we would have lost both. Declare early in 4th test????? India can steal it still!
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I cut my foot on it the other day.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
If Australia had declared at tea India would be less than 100 from victory by now.
James
Guest
Literally every nation was based on risk and reward, Australia is not exceptional in that. Believing national exceptionalism is really dangerous.
Bill
Guest
All this is misdirected, all this shit talk about Paine and whatever, or if we should have declared earlier yesterday, instead of a grilling into the team, the culture & selections and the failure of the team this summer. We were shaky in Sydney and now here in Brisbane against a 3rd string Indian attack, we can't bat and now it appears we can't bowl either. Adelaide made us look better than we are, we should have lost that test as well given how poorly we batted. But no, Australia in denial thinking they're better than we are. Pathetic. Bill
matth
Roar Guru
I guess as commentators they are paid to express an opinion. I wish someone would pay me to give an opinion, it's about the only thing I have plenty of.
jamesb
Roar Guru
Australia has two out of form bowlers. It would've been a huge risk to declare at tea.
Tempo
Roar Rookie
Exactly! And how many times did you see captains set a target of 275 off 130 overs when Border, Warne, Waugh, Ponting etc were playing? Commentators with no skin in the game have always called for aggressive declarations, captains are naturally a little more cautious. The pitch has played very well so far today which partly vindicates the delayed declaration. India could still be in with a sniff if Pant comes in with say 150 off 30 overs required.
Bill
Guest
The real issue is the ongoing and consistent failures of out batsmen to score runs. It needs calling out, it’s been a consistent fact throughout the summer.
JGK
Roar Guru
They are just putting up a graphic now which shows that on the last 13 years, 3 teams have scored 296+ in the 4th innings for losses, including the Pakistan effort with 450 a couple of years ago.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Our country was based on risk and reward. It's not 500 acres of mud filled with hedgehogs.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
We'll win Rowdy
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
A super critical 20 or 30 runs. No quibling matter to me. It’s like the temperature the first 32° is fine, it’s the last 8° which bother me. —— “328 in a day will not be easy but its not impossible.” That’s the point, you’ve got to make it easy you’ve gotta hit the sweet spot. It’s the same as an offie bowling darts.