Matthew Hayden has questioned Pat Cummins and Andrew McDonald’s decision not to declare their first innings in the third cricket Test at the Gabba, instead opting to bat into the morning of day three. The Aussies went to stumps at 7-405 on Sunday after Travis Head (152) and Steve Smith (101) put the Indian bowlers to the sword, and were eventually bowled out for 445 on Monday.

But many were surprised that Cummins didn’t declare on Sunday evening – or Monday morning – and send India in. With only 13 overs bowled on day one on Saturday, the match is effectively a four-day Test.

And with more bad weather forecast for the next three days, there might not be much opportunity for Australia to bowl India out twice. Sunday’s play was started 30 minutes early and the aim was to bowl 98 overs, but even then there was only 88.

Cummins showed no intention of declaring on Monday and instead sent Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood to the crease to face the music. Hayden labelled Cummins’ tactics “conservative” and said he was playing into India’s hands because the tourists only need a drawn series to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“I sense that playing with the weather is like playing with fire,” Hayden said on Channel 7. “You’ve just got to focus on winning the Test match from an Australian point of view. India may be focusing at this point now on just trying to hold in this Test match. It begs the question, what would India want? I sense that this is maybe playing into their hands considering there is going to be some weather over the next few days.

“Less likely for Australia to get the ball and take 20 wickets, the better for them. But I’m not surprised, this side over the years has been relatively conservative and it has perhaps stung from the days of Steve Waugh where it just seemed like the follow-on was something you naturally didn’t take.

“And that is not saying there is no confidence, there is plenty of confidence in this team. They are champions, Australia. World champions. World champions in fact against this very side. So I just think at this stage, probably just annoying India as much as anything.”

Allan Border said on Fox Cricket. “I think Australia are worried about declaring and then all of a sudden a rain shower hits. You want to get a declaration in between showers so you get an hour or so bowling at the Indians. I don’t think the runs really matter, it’s all about getting the timing right.”

With plenty of rain in the forecast, some suggested the Aussies appear resigned to the fact the third Test will be a draw. Cummins may have chosen to keep India in the field as long as possible to drain them for the remainder of the series, with Tests to come at the MCG and SCG.

Cricket world questions Pat Cummins over lack of declaration

Greg Blewett said on Channel 7 on Sunday evening: “The only thing that they’ll be monitoring I reckon, is the light tonight. You’d hate to be in a dominant position, then declare and then not have much play because of bad light. I hate to remind everyone as well of the forecast, which is going to see more time taken out of this match.

“What is noticeable at the moment is the clouds have come in. It’s a lot darker overhead and you can even see the lights at the top of the stands starting to take effect. So, it could be a nasty little 30 minutes or 40 minutes, depending what happens here if Australia decide to declare. We have seen throughout the series late in days plenty can happen.”

Because India hold the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia need to win the series outright to regain it. A draw in the third Test wouldn’t be much gain for Australia as it would give India a better chance to draw the series and retain the trophy.

The score was 6-327 when Head was finally dismissed on Sunday, and many thought it was the perfect chance to have a bowl at the Indians after a draining day in the field. But Alex Carey (70 not out), Cummins (20) and Mitchell Starc (18) all went out to bat.

Travis Head and Steve Smith make history in third cricket Test

Jasprit Bumrah played a lone hand again for India on Sunday, taking 5-72 as he looked the only man likely to break through. The Indian quick struck twice early on day two and then took three more wickets with the second new ball, but the day belonged to Head and Smith.

The paid came together at 3-75 with Australia in a tricky position. But they put on a record partnership of 241 – the highest by an Australian pair in Tests against India. Smith broke a long century drought with the 33rd of his career, taking him past Steve Waugh into outright second for most by Australians in Tests – only behind Ricky Ponting (41).