Australia and India halted by rain in third Test

Australia’s early surge on day one of the third Test against India was halted due to persistent rain.

Just 13.2 overs were played at The Gabba, with the hosts taking their early tally to 28-0 before play was eventually abandoned.

India, who made two changes from the second Test of the five-match series, which they lost by 10 wickets, won the toss and elected to field.

One of those Indian changes was the introduction of Akash Deep, who had an lbw appeal against Nathan McSweeney (four not out) in their only chance of an early breakthrough.

McSweeney and fellow opener Usman Khawaja (19 not out) guided Australia to 28-0 across two spells of play during the morning session.

Further rain is forecast in Brisbane, with 98 overs scheduled on each day for the remainder of the Test.

Data Debrief: Australia seeking back-to-back wins

Following their dominant victory in the second Test, Australia are aiming to win back-to-back matches against India for the first time in 10 years.

Australia, who lost the coin toss for the fifth time in six Tests against India, are looking to avoid suffering successive defeats at The Gabba for the first time since November 1986. (Sportsmax)