Introduction
The stage is set for the third Test between Australia and India at The Gabba, Brisbane, from December 14-17, 2024. With the series intriguingly poised, this match is pivotal for both sides. The winner will gain a significant edge, forcing the other to win the remaining two Tests to stay alive in the contest.
While Australia hopes to rekindle their dominance at the once indomitable “Gabbatoir,” India has a chance to etch their legacy at a venue where they tasted historic success in 2021. The focus will be firmly on the present, with each team looking to overcome the challenges posed by a green-tinged surface and unpredictable weather conditions.
Match Details
- Fixture: Australia vs India, 3rd Test
- Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
- Date & Time: December 14-17, 2024, 10:20 AM Local Time, 05:50 AM IST
- Live Streaming: Vegas11
What to Expect
Pitch and Conditions:
- The pitch, initially ultra-green, has mellowed but remains conducive to pace and movement.
- Overhead conditions, coupled with a slight drizzle in the lead-up, could influence the toss decision.
- Seamers are likely to dominate early, but the surface may ease out for batters as the game progresses.
Weather Forecast:
- Rain looms as a potential disruptor, though locals remain optimistic about clear weather for most sessions.
- Saturday morning conditions are expected to be critical in shaping the early momentum.
Team News and Probable XIs
Australia:
Key Update: Josh Hazlewood returns to the XI after proving his fitness, replacing the unlucky Scott Boland.
Playing XI:
Usman Khawaja,Nathan McSweeney,Marnus Labuschagne,Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk),Mitchell Starc,Pat Cummins (c),Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
India:
Key Update: Akash Deep is set to replace Harshit Rana in the fast bowling department. The spin slot remains a toss-up between Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar.
Probable XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli,Rishabh Pant (wk),Rohit Sharma (c),Nitish Kumar Reddy,R Ashwin/Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj
Key Players to Watch
Shubman Gill (India):
The Gabba holds special memories for Gill, who scored a match-defining 91 in India’s historic chase in 2021. He will aim to replicate that magic and provide solidity at the top.
Josh Hazlewood (Australia):
Returning from injury, Hazlewood’s precise line and length will be crucial on a Gabba surface that offers assistance to seamers.
Mitchell Starc (Australia):
- The left-arm quick thrives under conditions favoring swing and pace, making him a key weapon in Brisbane.
Jasprit Bumrah (India):
India’s strike bowler, fresh off a stellar performance in Perth, will look to lead the charge in exploiting the Gabba’s pace-friendly conditions.
Key Matchups
Marnus Labuschagne vs Jasprit Bumrah:
- Labuschagne, Australia’s premier batter, will face a stiff challenge from Bumrah’s relentless accuracy and skill.
Pat Cummins vs Virat Kohli:
- Kohli, hungry for a big score, will aim to counter Cummins’ aggressive bowling in a battle of experience and grit.
Conclusion
The Gabba Test promises to be a contest of fine margins, where the conditions and key individual battles will shape the outcome. Australia seeks to rebuild their fortress, while India eyes a rare opportunity to create a legacy. Both teams will need to adapt quickly to the pitch and weather, making this an unmissable clash.
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