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Frustrated captain Pat Cummins said on Wednesday that Australia controlled the third Test against India at the Gabba and could have won but for the bad weather in Brisbane.

Rain delays led to the loss of 249 overs during the match, ending all of Australia’s hopes of a win and a lead in the five-Test series.

The game ended in a draw and the two teams now level at 1-1, level with Melbourne, with two Tests still to be played.

The only day not affected by weather was Sunday, while significant playing time was lost on the other four days as players were forced off the field on multiple occasions.

“I can’t even remember how many times we were on and off in five days,” Cummins said.

“Especially here in Brisbane, it usually rains for a few hours and then you’re back and it’s clear.

“It’s frustrating because it felt like we were ahead almost the whole time, but it wasn’t to be.”

Australia scored 445 in the first innings after coming on but missed the chance to impose a follow-up as India’s 10th-wicket pair of Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep took the visitors to 260 with an important 47-run partnership.

After dismissing Deep early on Wednesday, Australia opted for quick runs to bring India back into the game with a sharp Gabba wicket.

The Australians came away with flying colors, losing seven wickets for 89 along the way before declaring their decision, but rain ended the game with 2.1 overs in India’s second innings.

“It’s really hard to predict the weather, but we always try to prepare for the game,” Cummins said.

“It felt like there were a lot of wickets on offer – it was just a matter of getting a total and having enough overs to get ten wickets.”

Cummins also said the underperforming Australian top order of Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne, which failed again in the second innings, should not be judged on Wednesday’s performance.

“I’m really proud of everyone going out there and trying to win the Test match,” he said.

“We make it a point to commit to a game plan and style of play and they all played with good intentions.”

“Today I wouldn’t pay too much attention to their results – I was just concerned about getting a number rather than trying to keep wickets.”

acd/pst