- Shane Warne suggested swapping Brisbane and Sydney Tests
- Spin King made the suggestion because of weather patterns.
- The third test in Brisbane has been greatly affected by rain
If Cricket Australia had followed Shane Warne’s advice in 2022, the Australian team could be much better against India in the third Test at the Gabba.
The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series is heading towards a draw on Day 5 after India were bowled out for 260 early on the final morning and rain washed out the rest of the session.
Australia have created chances of a result, offering India a target of 275 with 54 overs to survive after a chaotic middle session.
Heavy clouds continue to surround the ground and more rain is forecast for Wednesday afternoon. A draw is the most likely result.
But if Warne were to be listened to, the Australians could lead the series 2-1 instead of 1-1.
Cricket legend Shane Warne suggested Brisbane and Sydney Tests should be swapped
Gabba test heading towards a draw after rain delays throughout
Speaking months before his death in 2022, Warne suggested the Sydney and Brisbane tests should be changed due to weather patterns.
“The weather is better (at the start of the season) than it was in the first week of January,” Warne said.
“It always seems to rain in the Test match. It’s such a beautiful place, such a beautiful city. Imagine if the tourists, and any rival teams, came here to Sydney and had 10 days in port and relaxed, prepared and then They will play the first Test in Sydney instead of the fourth Test always in the New Year.
‘Maybe it’s time for a change. I know Australia won’t want to lose that first Test match in Brisbane, but there hasn’t been much attendance in the Brisbane Test match either.
“Whereas maybe Brisbane could be the New Year’s test match and Sydney could be the first.”
Warnie’s pleas went unheeded and the Sydney Test match will not change anytime soon.
Ground crew have been the busiest people at the Gabba for most of the test, with every session on days one, three, four and five affected by rain.
A draw result means India and Australia will leave Brisbane tied 1-1 in the series, with two Tests remaining.
Australia frustrated by rain at Gabba during third test
Australia will feel they have been better than both teams in Brisbane after scoring 445 in their first innings and claiming a 185-run lead.
But they likely lost Josh Hazlewood for the rest of the series due to a calf injury, and the medical staff did not expect him to play in Melbourne or Sydney.
His absence forced Pat Cummins (4-81) and Mitchell Starc (3-83) to bowl 46 overs between them in India’s first innings.
The draw also means that India are just one win away from retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as a drawn series would mean they would retain the prize as its current holders.