“India vs Australia at Gabba: A High-Stakes Test in the Battle for Supremacy”

India vs Australia Gabba Test Preview: High Stakes and Key Battles

 

 

The third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba promises to be a gripping contest, as both teams vie for supremacy in this pivotal series. Scheduled to start on December 14, 2024, the match holds significant implications for the World Test Championship standings.

Venue and Conditions

The Gabba in Brisbane, known for its pace and bounce, is expected to be a haven for fast bowlers. Weather forecasts indicate possible interruptions due to rain, with temperatures fluctuating between the mid-to-late twenties. Despite this, the match is set to challenge batters against world-class pace attacks.

Team Previews

Australia enters the Gabba Test grappling with challenges in their batting lineup, highlighted by the integration of a new opener and inconsistent performances from their traditionally reliable run-scorers, Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith. Both players, who have been pivotal in Australia’s dominance over recent years, are struggling to find their best form, a scenario that mirrors India’s own batting concerns.

India’s Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both in their mid-to-late 30s, face similar scrutiny. While Kohli has managed a century in the series, it was Yashasvi Jaiswal’s standout innings that secured victory in that match. Sharma, who may return as an opener, has yet to leave a decisive mark in this high-profile series. For these marquee players, their form is under intense observation, as their ability to influence matches is expected but hasn’t materialized consistently.

This shared struggle between the two teams’ batting stalwarts adds another layer of intrigue to the Gabba Test, with both sides hoping their seasoned players can find form and drive their respective teams towards a crucial victory.

 

Key Players to Watch

  • Pat Cummins (AUS): His ability to generate movement and exploit conditions will be crucial for Australia.
  • Jasprit Bumrah (IND): With his precision and reverse swing, Bumrah is expected to be a game-changer.
  • Marnus Labuschagne (AUS): A master at playing in Australian conditions, Labuschagne’s consistency will be key.
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND): The young opener has shown promise and could play a defining role.

India is deliberating potential changes ahead of the Gabba Test, particularly concerning their top-order lineup. A major decision involves whether Rohit Sharma will return to his preferred opening position. There were encouraging signs during Thursday’s net sessions, with Rohit, along with Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, focusing on improving their back-foot play, which is crucial on Gabba’s bouncy surface.

In the bowling department, Akash Deep, who played as the third seamer in home conditions, was replaced in Perth by a player offering stronger batting capabilities. However, with India feeling more secure about their depth, Harshit Rana might return to the squad. Additionally, there’s growing competition between R Ashwin and Washington Sundar for a spot in the XI, as Sundar’s all-round skills provide balance to the team.

India’s Probable XI:

  1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
  2. Rohit Sharma (capt)/ KL Rahul
  3. Shubman Gill
  4. Virat Kohli
  5. Rishabh Pant (wk)
  6. KL Rahul/Rohit Sharma (capt)
  7. Nitish Kumar Reddy
  8. Washington Sundar/R Ashwin
  9. Akash Deep
  10. Mohammed Siraj
  11. Jasprit Bumrah

For Australia, their first-choice pace trio—Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and a returning Josh Hazlewood—is set to reunite. The Gabba’s surface will likely enhance their effectiveness, making them a formidable challenge for India.

Australia’s Probable XI:

  1. Usman Khawaja
  2. Nathan McSweeney
  3. Marnus Labuschagne
  4. Steven Smith
  5. Travis Head
  6. Mitchell Marsh
  7. Alex Carey (wk)
  8. Pat Cummins (capt)
  9. Mitchell Starc
  10. Nathan Lyon
  11. Josh Hazlewood

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