There is nothing more frustrating for a batting unit than having to endure a stop-start day. Nothing, that is, apart from a series of poor strokes when confronted with a big total amassed by the opposition.

Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s incandescence which fetched him a wonderful six-for, Australia piled up 445 when their innings ended on Day Three of the third Test at the Gabba. It was an excellent total on being put in, a total with which Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins could work wonders because they knew rain was always round the corner, that between short, sharp bursts, they would get unexpected downtime to get their breath back.