As rains came pouring on the opening day of the third Test between India and Australia, a handful of Aussie fans, who had reached the venue to cheer their team, were left disappointed. “We were hoping to see a good game of cricket, but rains have spoilt the fun,” lamented Stuart Wesley from Sydney.
Wesley said Australia, who are trailing 0-2 in the four-match rubber, need to win the Mohali game badly to stay afloat in the competition, but rains had made the task tougher.
“Australia have not played that well in the series. They are needing this win badly, but it would be difficult now to expect a result inside four days, that too will be possible only if the weather holds good,” he said.
Matthew Yorath from Perth said that with the exit of stalwarts like Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, the Australian side is somewhat depleted, and it’s a challenge for the present team to show their mettle on turning tracks.
“Now, whatever time they get in this match, they will have to show their mettle. We know that India is a difficult place to win, no matter how good a side you are. Indians are always going to dominate in their home conditions. The onus is now on the Michael Clarke-led team to show it can spring surprises,” he said.
A handful of Aussie fans also performed ‘rain dance’ outside the PCA stadium, and one of them said “this is our way of entertaining when the game is not happening”.
The Indian team returned to the hotel after spending some time at the stadium, while the Australians enjoyed a morning cup of tea after the outfield was rendered wet due to incessant rain.
