Watch: Mitchell Marsh's stunning flying catch to dismiss Shubman Gill in Gabba

Australia delivered an explosive start on Day 3 of the Brisbane Test, with Mitchell Starc leading the charge by claiming two early wickets, sending India’s top order into turmoil. Among the highlights was Mitchell Marsh’s incredible catch to dismiss Shubman Gill, a moment that electrified the Gabba crowd.

Chasing Australia’s imposing first-innings total of 445, India’s innings got off to a disastrous start. On the very second ball, Starc, despite being driven for a boundary off the first delivery, struck back by dismissing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. A straightforward catch by Marsh in the slips ensured Jaiswal’s departure for just 4 runs, setting the tone for a fiery spell by the experienced pacer.

AUS vs IND, 3rd Test Day 3: Live Updates

Starc’s next victim was Shubman Gill, who looked to anchor India’s response but fell prey to an extraordinary fielding effort. Mitchell Marsh executed a stunning diving catch to send Gill packing, leaving India reeling at 4/2 in the opening overs. The dismissal, celebrated with visible enthusiasm by the Australian players, underlined their dominance early in the Indian innings.

India’s bowling performance in the first innings had been underwhelming, with Jasprit Bumrah standing out as the lone warrior with a remarkable six-wicket haul. However, the rest of the attack faltered, allowing Australia to post a mammoth score and heap pressure on India’s batting unit. The early loss of both openers added to the mounting challenges for the Rohit Sharma-led side, leaving senior players like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul with the responsibility to stabilise the innings.

For Starc, the two early strikes were a confidence booster in what promises to be a defining innings. His fiery spell has already set the tone for the Australian bowlers, who will be eager to dismantle India’s middle order.

With India’s top-order collapse, the spotlight now shifts to Kohli and Rahul as they look to withstand the relentless Australian attack. Facing a massive first-innings total and with their backs against the wall, India will need a resilient batting performance to stay in contention in this fiercely contested Brisbane Test.