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
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:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rohit Sharma (capt)/ KL Rahul
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- KL Rahul/Rohit Sharma (capt)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar/R Ashwin
- Akash Deep
- Mohammed Siraj
- 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:
- Usman Khawaja
- Nathan McSweeney
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steven Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (capt)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
where to watch live streaming check this
where and how to watch Border-Gavaskar Trophy live