The fifth and final T20I between India and Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane, has been temporarily stopped due to lightning, even though there are no visible signs of rain.
At 6.36pm local time (2.06pm IST), players were seen walking off the field as ground staff rushed in with covers. Moments later, the big screen flashed a “severe weather” warning, stating that it was “unsafe to remain in open areas.”
At the time of the interruption, India were cruising at 52/0 in 4.5 overs, with Abhishek Sharma batting on 23 off 13 balls (1 four, 1 six) and Shubman Gill unbeaten on 29 off 16 balls (6 fours).
The stoppage comes under The Gabba’s lightning safety protocol, which mandates that play must be suspended if lightning is detected within a certain distance from the stadium. Players and officials are required to move indoors until the threat subsides.
The covers remain on, and play will resume once the weather clears and match officials deem it safe to continue.
