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The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has lived up to its billing as one of the most fiercely contested series in modern cricket. With the series tied at 1-1, the third Test at the iconic Gabba in Brisbane promises to be a high-stakes encounter. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance but will need more consistency to take control in this pivotal clash.
Teams Preview
Australia Preview
Australia bounced back from a drubbing in Perth with a dominant 10-wicket win in Adelaide, showcasing their resilience and depth. Travis Head was the standout performer, anchoring the innings with a sublime 140, while Marnus Labuschagne’s return to form with a patient 64 further solidified the middle order.
The inclusion of Josh Hazlewood, back from injury, strengthens an already potent pace attack led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who dismantled India in Adelaide. However, Australia will expect more from Nathan Lyon, who has been subdued by India’s quality spin players.
Australia’s top order, including Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, needs to step up to complement their in-form middle order.
Key Players: Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc
Predicted Playing XI:
Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
India Preview
India’s batting woes continued in Adelaide, where no batter managed a half-century in either innings. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, in just his second Test, top-scored in both innings, highlighting India’s struggles at the top and middle order.
The visitors will need significant contributions from senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom have failed to fire so far. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant have shown glimpses of form but must convert starts into match-defining scores.
On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah has been exceptional, consistently troubling Australia’s batters, while Mohammed Siraj and Nitish Kumar Reddy have provided valuable support. Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will be crucial on a Gabba pitch that offers bounce and turn.
Key Players: Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin
Predicted Playing XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Rohit Sharma (C), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Fantasy Team XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Travis Head |
| Vice-Captain | Jasprit Bumrah |
| Batsmen | Virat Kohli, Marnus Labuschagne, KL Rahul |
| All-Rounders | Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mitchell Marsh |
| Wicketkeeper | Rishabh Pant |
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report
The Gabba pitch is renowned for its pace and bounce, offering early assistance to fast bowlers. Spinners could also play a role as the match progresses, with turn and bounce coming into play. Historically, it has been a good batting surface, especially on Days 1 and 2.
- Average 1st Innings Score: 320
- Optimal Score: 350+ for the team batting first
Weather Report
Rain could play a significant role in this match, with showers forecasted for all five days. The temperatures will hover around 25°C, and high humidity will test players’ endurance. Day 4 looks most likely to see interruptions, which could impact the match outcome.
Match Prediction
Both teams have shown their strengths and weaknesses in the series so far. Australia’s bowling attack has been formidable, but their batting relies heavily on a few key players. India, on the other hand, needs their senior batters to step up to complement their strong bowling unit.
Prediction:
India have the quality and depth to bounce back and reclaim the series lead, provided their batters deliver under pressure.
India to win this high-stakes Test match.
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