The 3rd Test of the ongoing series is set to take place at the iconic Gabba in Brisbane, Australia, a venue that holds special significance. This will be the last Test match at the Gabba before the stadium undergoes renovations, adding extra excitement to an already high-stakes encounter. India has some unforgettable memories at this ground, notably breaching Australia's 100% winning record during the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Indian fans can certainly hope for a repeat of that historic feat in this crucial clash. Here’s a comprehensive preview of the match, including the pitch report and predicted lineups, as both teams prepare for a thrilling contest at the Gabba.
Greenish “Gabba”
Pictures circulating on social media have confirmed that the Gabba pitch will feature a grassy top, which promises to be a celebration for the bowlers and a challenge for the batters. The first two days are expected to be particularly tough for the batsmen, with overcast conditions and rain in the forecast. The weather will make it even more difficult for the batters to settle in, especially during the early morning session. In such conditions, winning the toss will be crucial. The team winning the toss will likely choose to bowl first, as the moist, grassy conditions are expected to provide plenty of assistance to the bowlers early on, making it the wiser decision.
The Possible Lineup
India made several changes in the second Test, with Rohit Sharma returning to the squad and Shubman Gill, who had recovered from injury, stepping in as well. A surprising move came with Ravichandran Ashwin replacing Washington Sundar in the spin department. However, looking ahead to the 3rd Test, we don't expect many changes in the lineup, with the primary adjustment being Akash Deep replacing Harshit Rana in the squad.
As for Rohit Sharma's batting position, it’s predicted that he will bat at number 6, giving him another opportunity lower down the order. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to open the batting, continuing their strong partnership. The inclusion of Ravindra Jadeja may raise some eyebrows, especially after Ashwin faced some difficulties in the second Test. However, despite Ashwin's recent struggles, his record at the Gabba suggests that his inclusion remains a strong possibility.
With these predictions in mind, India's lineup for the 3rd Test is expected to look something like this:
KL Rahul | Nitish Kumar Reddy |
Yashasvi Jaiswal | Ravichandran Ashwin |
Shubman Gill | Jasprit Bumrah |
Virat Kohli | Akash Deep |
Rishabh Pant (WK) | Mohammed Siraj |
Rohit Sharma (C) |
The series currently level at 1-1, and the upcoming 3rd Test at the Gabba is set to be a crucial encounter. This match not only holds significance for the outcome of the series but also plays a vital role in the race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Both teams will be eager to secure a win, knowing how important this fixture is for their chances of reaching the WTC final. With the stakes high, fans can expect an exciting and intense battle as India and Australia gear up for what promises to be a memorable clash.
