The India vs Australia series is heating up, with the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane just around the corner. After a thrilling draw in the first Test at the Adelaide Oval, Australia came back strong to win the second Test by 10 wickets. With the series tied at 1-1, the third Test is expected to be a thrilling contest.
Team India’s Preparations
Team India is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the third Test. Virat Kohli addressed the team, emphasizing the need for a strong comeback after the loss in Adelaide. “We need to focus on our strengths and work on our weaknesses,” Kohli said. “We have the talent and the skills to win this series, and we need to believe in ourselves.”
Rohit Sharma practiced batting against both new and semi-new balls, sparking speculation about his batting position in the upcoming Test. Sharma has been in excellent form in the series so far, scoring a century in the first Test and a half-century in the second Test.
Possible Changes in India’s Playing XI
There might be changes in India’s playing XI for the third Test, with Akash Deep potentially replacing Harshit Rana. Deep has been impressive in the nets, and his inclusion could add some much-needed variety to India’s bowling attack.
Washington Sundar or Ravindra Jadeja could also find a place in the team, replacing Ashwin. Both Sundar and Jadeja have been in good form in the series so far, and their inclusion could add some much-needed depth to India’s batting lineup.
The Gabba Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Gabba pitch is expected to offer pace and bounce, with a green tinge likely to assist the fast bowlers. The pitch has a reputation for being one of the fastest in the world, and India’s batsmen will need to be at their best to negotiate the Australian fast bowlers.
Weather forecasts also hint at a chance of rain over the weekend, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the contest. The rain could make the pitch even more challenging for the batsmen, and India’s bowlers will need to be at their best to take advantage of the conditions.
Experts’ Views
Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri believes Rohit Sharma should open the innings if he wants to “throw the first punch”. “Rohit Sharma is a destructive batsman, and he can take the game away from the opposition,” Shastri said. “If he opens the innings, he can set the tone for the rest of the team.”
Sunil Gavaskar feels that Australia has the momentum after their win in Adelaide, but India can still make a comeback. “Australia has the momentum, but India has the talent and the skills to win this series,” Gavaskar said. “It’s going to be a tough contest, but India can still come out on top.”
Australia’s Preparations
The Australian team is also gearing up for the third Test, with captain Tim Paine emphasizing the need for his team to stay focused. “We can’t get complacent,” Paine said. “We need to stay focused and keep working hard if we want to win this series.”
Australia’s fast bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, are expected to play a key role in the third Test. The duo has been in excellent form in the series so far, and they will be looking to continue their good work at the Gabba.