Table of Contents
India have made significant adjustments to their playing XI for the crucial third Test against Australia at the Gabba, following a disappointing performance in the Adelaide Test. The series is currently tied at 1-1, making this match pivotal for both teams as they vie for supremacy in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024.
Team India rethinking the bowling attack
After a lackluster display in Adelaide, where Harshit Rana conceded 86 runs off 16 overs without taking a wicket, the Indian management decided to rest the young pacer. In his place, Akash Deep has been brought into the squad. Deep’s inclusion is seen as a fresh opportunity for him to showcase his skills on Australian soil, especially after impressing during his previous outings against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
The decision to drop Ravichandran Ashwin also reflects India’s need for a more effective spin option. Ashwin had been recalled for the second Test but struggled to make an impact with the pink ball, prompting the team to reinstate Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja’s experience and all-round capabilities are expected to strengthen both the bowling attack and batting depth, particularly on a pitch that may favour spinners.
Also READ: Australia or India? Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist predict the winner of Gabba Test
Captaincy decisions keeping overcast conditions in mind
Captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Gabba, citing overcast conditions and a grassy pitch as key factors influencing his decision. He acknowledged that both teams have played well in previous matches but stressed that India must seize critical moments to secure victory.
“We’re going to bowl first. Little bit overcast and little bit of grass, looks a bit soft as well, want to make best use of the conditions. Lot of cricket to be played, both teams have played good cricket in the last two games. Big game for us here, we’ll do what is expected of us. We’ll play good cricket, we understand we have to capture some moments, we didn’t do that in the previous game which is why we lost,” Rohit stated during the toss, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on early assistance from the pitch.
Sharma’s leadership will be tested as he aims to guide his team back into form after their defeat in Adelaide. The captain’s return to the middle order is also a strategic move designed to bolster India’s batting lineup against a formidable Australian attack.
Return of Josh Hazlewood to the Australian team
On Australia’s side, they have made one notable change by bringing back Josh Hazlewood, who missed the second Test due to a side strain. Hazlewood replaces Scott Boland, who had performed admirably with the pink ball but is now sidelined due to injury. This adjustment aim to enhance Australia’s bowling strength as they seek to exploit any weaknesses in India’s lineup.
Here’s the playing XI of both teams for the Gabba Test
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey (wk), Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
