Australia could enforce the follow-on against India in the ongoing third Test at The Gabba in Brisbane. The Australians have posted a strong first-innings score of 445, with Steve Smith and Travis Head leading the way. India’s reply has been poor, as they are 79 runs short of the follow-on target. With rain forecast for the next two days, enforcing the follow-on could help Australia finish the match early and avoid a draw.

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– Australia scored 445 in their first innings; Steve Smith (101) and Travis Head (152) were the top scorers.
– India’s reply has faltered, with them at 167/6 by the end of Day 3.
– India needs to score 246 to avoid the follow-on, but they are 79 runs short.
– On Day 4, India lost key wickets: Rohit Sharma for 10 and KL Rahul for 84.
– The series is tied 1-1, with both teams aiming for World Test Championship qualification.
– Mitchell Starc says Australia holds all the cards, with the option of enforcing the follow-on.
– Enforcing the follow-on is rare in modern Test cricket due to the strain on bowlers.
– Brisbane’s weather forecast predicts rain and thunderstorms, with up to 30mm of rain expected on Day 4.
– Pat Cummins last enforced the follow-on in the 2022-23 Test against South Africa in Sydney.
– The follow-on option could help Australia secure a result quickly if rain delays further play.