The closely-fought Brisbane Test will enter its fifth day on Tuesday, but the weather could prove to be a decisive factor in the series-deciding final day of play.

The weather in Brisbane had been an actively discussed topic even before the first delivery of the fourth Test was bowled, with showers being predicted for the second and fourth day of play. As per the weather prediction, showers suspended play after the tea break on day two, which, in turn, forced an early start of play on days three and four.

The umpires’ decision to abandon play post the tea break, due to wet outfield on day two met with criticism from certain quarters, particularly on the call to suspend play even though there was no rain for a good part of the final hour.

.@Google search trends in India in the last 24 hours for "Brisbane Weather" as compared to "Match Score" 😂 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/YL8dzjSeJH

— Pavan Kumar Allada (@pavankumar_apk) January 18, 2021

On day four of the Test, just before the tea break, dark clouds emerged once again, and a drizzle forced the players to take an early break. After a brief delay, play restarted with no overs lost.

According to BBC weather, the prediction for Tuesday in Brisbane is ‘thundery showers and light winds’, with precipitation of up to 95 per cent early morning. Through the most part of the playing time, i.e. 10am to 6pm local time, it states that there is ‘low chance of precipitation’.

You're taking us off?

An early tea has been called with the onset of a bit of rain #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/qmNfyA2wdZ

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 18, 2021

According to Australian Government’s Bureau of Meteorology, the forecast on Monday is 80 per cent chance of showers, with ‘chances of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and evening’, along with ‘light winds’. The possible rainfall is expected to be between 8 mm and 10 mm on the fifth day.

Weather.com, which predicted severe thunderstorms on the evening of the fourth day, has forecasted ‘scattered thunderstorms’ for Tuesday, and a 50 per cent chance of rain, and 71 per cent humidity.

India, who won the 2018/19 edition of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, will retain the trophy even if the Brisbane Test is drawn. Australia will have to force a result in their favour if they wish to reclaim the trophy this time around. With the ICC World Test Championship now in its final lap, there’s plenty to play for in terms of the Championship table too.