The Gabba Test hangs in the balance as storm clouds gather over Brisbane, threatening to wash out a thrilling Day 4 and dampen Australia’s hopes of wrapping up a 2-0 series win against the West Indies.
With just 156 runs to chase and Steve Smith and Cameron Green holding steady at the crease (33* and 9* respectively), victory looked well within Australia’s grasp. However, the Bureau of Meteorology is playing spoilsport, predicting “possibly severe” thunderstorms and heavy rainfall (27-79mm) throughout Sunday.
This means the final act of the summer’s Test cricket may well spill over into day five, adding an extra layer of drama to an already captivating contest. The West Indies, needing eight quick wickets, are far from out of the running, especially with the crucial blow of losing their spearhead bowler, Shamar Joseph.
Gabba Test: Australia vs West Indies
Shamar Joseph, after copping a brutal yorker from Mitchell Starc, limped off the field unable to put weight on his right foot, casting a cloud over the Windies’ bowling attack. His absence will test the depth of their fast bowling stocks and give an extra boost to Australia’s batting confidence.
As the clock ticks down and the clouds roll in, the Gabba Test becomes a race against both time and the weather. Can Australia hold their nerve and chase down the target before the heavens open? Or will the Windies, bolstered by Joseph’s replacement and driven by sheer desperation, pull off a stunning upset?
One thing’s for sure: the final chapter of this Gabba thriller promises to be a nail-biter, with both sunshine and showers vying for the spotlight on what could be a truly remarkable cricketing day.
Editors pick
