Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: AUS vs IND Match Preview, 3rd Test

India outclassed Australia in the first Test, defeating them by 295 runs in Perth. The Rohit Sharma-led side had the momentum leading to the Day-Night Test in Adelaide, but both the batting and bowling units failed to live up to the expectations and ended up suffering a 10-wicket defeat. The series is currently poised at 1-1 and the third Test at Gabba, Brisbane holds extreme importance as both teams are eager to take a lead in the five-match series.

Australia currently have the momentum and on top of that, pacer Josh Hazlewood will be making his return to the playing XI. He missed the Adelaide Test owing to a side strain and now, him returning will bolster the pace unit. The 33-year-old will replace Scott Boland in the Playing XI. Meanwhile, the focus will be on Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith, who are going through a rough patch at the moment.

In the meantime, former international David Warner isn’t convinced with Marnus Labuschagne’s performance and Nathan McSweeney has shown glimpses of hope but is yet to make a mark. Travis Head has been a force to reckon with, and he can once again be a threat for India in the third Test at Gabba.

Among Indian cricketers, captain Rohit needs to take more responsibility with the bat. His batting position is also not revealed, but he is very likely to continue at number six. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul looked good in Perth, but need to be consistent to be able to put Australia under pressure early. The same can be said about star batter Virat Kohli. 2021 Gabba hero, Rishabh Pant, will also play a vital role.

Jasprit Bumrah meanwhile has been the star with the ball, picking up 12 wickets, but the cricketer didn’t receive enough support from the other end. Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj bowled well in patches, as India missed the service of Mohammed Shami, whose experience would have come in handy. Meanwhile, Aakash Deep is expected to replace Rana in the third Test and either Ravindra Jadeja or Washington Sundar is likely to replace R Ashwin.

Match Details

Pitch Report

Bowlers are likely to enjoy playing at Gabba. The curator prepared a green deck, which may trouble the batters in the first couple of days, but the surface is likely to get better in the second innings. Bowling first will be ideal, and the first session will be important for both teams.

Head-to-Head Record

Probable Playing XI:

Australia (AUS)

Josh Hazlewood replaced Scott Boland in the third Test, as Australia have already announced their playing XI. Meanwhile, the senior batters will have to step up for Australia to be more consistent.

Predicted XI: Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

India (IND)

India are expected to make two changes to the playing XI. Harshit Rana is expected to make his way out for Akash Deep and Ravindra Jadeja may replace Ravichandran Ashwin.

Predicted XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Rohit Sharma (captain), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah