AUS vs IND 5th Test: How will rain and pitch impact Day 3 proceedings in Sydney
The BGT finale has been action-packed, with 11 wickets falling on Day 1 and 15 on Day 2. Despite Bumrah bowling just 10 overs, the Indian bowlers delivered a spirited performance, skittling Australia for 181 and securing a slender 4-run lead. Bumrah’s fitness remains a concern after a scan, but Pant’s quick-fire 61 helped India extend their lead to 145. With the pitch continuing to assist the bowlers, India will look to capitalise on their advantage on Day 3. Let’s look at what the weather and pitch might offer on this potentially decisive day of the 5th Test.
Weather report for Day 3
On Day 3 of the 5th Test, expect mostly sunny conditions throughout the day, with temperatures ranging from 24°C in the morning to a high of 32°C in the afternoon. Winds will be coming from the north-east at speeds between 13 to 30 km/h. The UV index will be high during the midday hours, with an extreme reading of 11 around 12 PM and 1 PM, so players and spectators should take precautions. Air quality is expected to be fair, with no rain forecast for the day. Cloud cover will increase towards the late afternoon, but conditions should remain favourable for cricket.
Sydney pitch report
The pitch at the Sydney Cricket Ground has been quite challenging so far, with uneven bounce and excessive seam movement making life difficult for the batters. As Gavaskar pointed out, it’s not an ideal surface for Test cricket, with the unpredictable bounce posing a serious threat to the players. The excessive movement off the pitch has led to 15 wickets falling in the match, highlighting the surface’s tricky nature.
As we head into Day 3, there might be slight improvements for the batters. The sun has been playing its part, and with the grass beginning to dry and wear off, the pitch is expected to ease up marginally. However, don’t expect the conditions to drastically change. While it might become a little easier to bat as the day progresses, the surface will still be tough.
Gavaskar pointed out that any total above 200 or 220 could put significant pressure on the Australian side, especially with the uneven bounce still a factor.
“To be honest, it’s not an ideal pitch for Test cricket. A surface where the ball bounces unpredictably and seams excessively isn’t conducive to good cricket. If this had happened in India, with 15 wickets falling, the Australian media and former players would have been criticising it relentlessly. This kind of pitch doesn’t serve as a good advertisement for Test cricket,” Sunil Gavaskar told India Today.
Batting will remain challenging, and bowlers who can extract movement will have the advantage. India will aim for a target of at least 185 to 190 to make it tough for the Australians, with the pitch continuing to offer assistance to the bowlers. The key for both sides will be to adapt quickly to the conditions and make the most of any slight improvements in the surface.
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