The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy moves into its decisive phase with the third Test at the Gabba, Brisbane, starting December 14, 2024. With the series evenly balanced at 1-1, both teams face a litmus test in a battle of grit, skill, and mental toughness.
Series Overview
India triumphed in the opening Test at Perth by a colossal margin of 295 runs, led by Jasprit Bumrah’s stunning eight-wicket haul and stellar centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli.
Australia retaliated with equal ferocity in Adelaide, securing a commanding 10-wicket victory courtesy of Travis Head’s blistering 140-run knock and Mitchell Starc’s devastating six-wicket spell.
Now, the stage is set for a fascinating contest between two high-quality sides at the Gabba, a venue known for its pace-friendly surface and challenging conditions. This venue has often separated the resolute from the fragile, making it the ideal setting for the third chapter of this epic series.
Team News
Australia:
The hosts will likely stick to their winning formula from Adelaide. However, concerns linger over the top order, with Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney struggling for runs. Australia’s bowling unit, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, looks poised to exploit the Gabba’s pace-friendly track. The return to their fortress could inject additional confidence into the team.
India:
The visitors face critical decisions regarding their lineup. Captain Rohit Sharma’s underwhelming form has sparked discussions about changes in the batting order. The possible inclusion of Akash Deep might offer India more firepower in the bowling department, complementing Jasprit Bumrah’s incisive pace. Balancing aggression with caution will be key for India’s batting lineup against Australia’s fired-up bowlers.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Gabba pitch is a haven for fast bowlers, offering significant pace and bounce, especially in the initial stages. Seamers are expected to dominate the early exchanges, while batsmen with patience and solid technique will be rewarded as the game progresses. Spinners might find some assistance later in the match when cracks develop on the surface.
Brisbane’s weather is expected to be partly cloudy, with sporadic showers predicted over the five days. While rain interruptions are possible, they are unlikely to derail the match.
Temperatures are forecasted to range between 23°C and 31°C, with the humid atmosphere adding to the challenge for both teams.
Likely Playing XIs
Australia:
- Usman Khawaja
- Nathan McSweeney
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
India:
- KL Rahul
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Akash Deep
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
Players to Watch
Australia:
– Travis Head: His brilliant 140 in Adelaide was a testament to his attacking prowess. If he gets going at the Gabba, India could be in trouble.
– Mitchell Starc: With the ability to generate swing and pace, Starc will be a pivotal figure, particularly in Brisbane’s seam-friendly conditions. He will be looking to carry the momentum gained from his superb performance in the Adelaide Test forward.
India:
Jasprit Bumrah: The spearhead of India’s bowling attack, Bumrah will be itching to replicate his match-winning form from Perth. He will enjoy the bowling-friendly conditions that the Gabba offers.
– Yashasvi Jaiswal: After a dream debut in Perth, Jaiswal will look to bounce back strongly following a subdued outing in Adelaide. He is a temperamentally strong player, making him hungry for runs heading into this contest.
Match Prediction
The Gabba’s pace-heavy track will likely see a fierce contest dominated by fast bowlers. While Australia’s home advantage and formidable record at this venue provide a psychological edge, India’s resilience and balanced squad make them capable challengers. The outcome could hinge on which team adapts better to the conditions and executes its strategies more effectively.
