Australia-India Test series, locked at 1-1, set for an intriguing finish at Gabba in Brisbane

Very few people looking forward to a cricket series can resist speculating and making predictions. Very few ever get it right.

It’s a futile endeavour with so many variables at play in a universe that can always surprise us.

Nobody would have predicted India being bowled out for 36, or Steve Smith being unable to make 36 in aggregate until the third Test innings.

Nobody would have predicted a seaming MCG wicket with a match over in four days, or a Sydney pitch without a single crack in it after five.

No one knew which state borders would open and close, and where matches would be played and whether anyone could attend, or that occupants of a Sydney cemetery would be specifically prohibited.

Not many would have guessed that Nathan Lyon would…