After resuming at 9-252 with dark clouds again hovering overhead, India lasted 14 minutes on Wednesday before Akash Deep was stumped for 31 off Travis Head.
His runs could prove pivotal in the context of the series, after he and Jasper Bumrah (10 not out) put on 47 for the last wicket to ensure India avoided the follow-on.
Together, the pair have effectively ensured that a draw is the most likely result in Brisbane, with both teams to leave level at 1-1.
Lightning quick hands from Alex Carey FINALLY brings the Indian innings to a close— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) 📺 Watch #AUSvIND LIVE on Kayo: https://t.co/vG2uGJTaeq�� BLOG: https://t.co/VJOVl5ZkEd🔢 MATCH CENTRE: https://t.co/lFD9Qf9Og8 pic.twitter.com/90F9freHUpDecember 18, 2024
In order to push for a win, Australia would need to quickly pile on the runs and declare, then take 10 wickets on the final day.
That task was made even more unlikely as rain began to fall during the change of innings, with lightning also striking around the Gabba.
Any attempt at a win would also have to come without Josh Hazlewood, after a calf strain all but ruled him out of the rest of the series on Tuesday.
His injury has already left Pat Cummins (4-81) and Mitchell Starc (3-83) to do the bulk of the work, bowling 46 overs between them in the first innings.
The far more likely scenario is the match fades out into a draw, with Australia's top order to face a tough new-ball session under the dark clouds.
A draw would mean India must only win one Test to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, given they are the current holders of the prize.
Australia's effort to bowl India out in the 79th over also meant that the hosts would not cop a points penalty for slow over rates in their World Test Championship bid.
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