AUS vs IND 2024: 3 changes India might make for Gabba Test

India will play Australia in the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Brisbane Cricket Ground, popularly known as the Gabba, in Brisbane from December 14. The visiting side was hammered by the Baggy Greens in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide. The hosts demonstrated why they are the pioneers of the Pink-ball Test as they won the game by a comfortable 10-wicket margin. After this win, the Aussies have stormed their way back in the series, and the five-match tie is now levelled at 1-1.

With the action now shifting to Brisbane, the Rohit Sharma-led side will have to make some changes going into the game. With World Test Championship finals qualification at stake, the Indian management needs to find a solid solution and make sure they don't repeat the same mistakes.

Let's look at the three possible changes for India's playing 11 for the third Test:

3. Ravindra Jadeja in for Ravichandran Ashwin:

India's team management may consider bringing in all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in place of Ravichandran Ashwin after the latter's underwhelming performance in Adelaide. The pitch there offered little help to spinners, and Ashwin managed only one wicket in the match, that of Mitchell Marsh, while contributing 29 runs with the bat across both the innings. Since the home series against New Zealand, Ashwin’s bowling form has dipped, as he has claimed just nine wickets in three matches at an average of 41.22 on spin-friendly tracks.

In contrast, Jadeja has been in fine touch. Against New Zealand, he bagged 16 wickets at an average of 21.56. Moreover, Jadeja’s brilliance with the bat adds depth to India’s lower middle order. He has an impressive batting average of 43.75 in five Test innings in Australia and can adapt to challenging conditions. Furthermore, Jadeja has taken 14 Test wickets in Australia at an average of 21.79.