IND vs AUS 3rd Test Preview: Key Players, Stats, and Pitch Report

IND vs AUS 3rd Test Preview: Key Players, Stats, and Pitch Report

The third Test between India and Australia is set to start at the Gabba, Brisbane, on Saturday, December 14. It is highly anticipated. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams are vying for a crucial edge in this high-stakes clash. Here’s a full preview. It covers everything you need to know. It includes live-streaming details, key player stats, and pitch conditions.

IND vs AUS 3rd Test: Match Details

• Date: December 14, 2024
• Venue: Gabba, Brisbane
• Start Time: 10:00 AM (Local Time)
• Live Streaming: Stars Sports Network, DD Sports & Disney+Hotstar

Cummins & Co. Riding High on Confidence

Australia enters the third Test with momentum. They won by 10 wickets in Adelaide. The bowlers led the charge. Mitchell Starc took six wickets in the first innings. Captain Pat Cummins asserted his dominance by taking five wickets in the second innings. He dismantled India’s batting lineup.

Travis Head’s century gave a solid start. Marnus Labuschagne, with a gritty half-century, found some form. However, there are concerns about Steve Smith’s performance. The star batter scored only 19 runs in two Tests. A turnaround for Smith could prove decisive for the Aussies.

Key Stats (Last 10 Matches)

• Mitchell Starc: 44 wickets, Economy Rate: 3.90
• Josh Hazlewood: 43 wickets, Economy Rate: 2.64
• Marnus Labuschagne: 830 runs, Average: 48.8

Rohit Sharma’s India Looking to Bounce Back

India faces an uphill battle after a disappointing collapse in Adelaide. Poor starts from openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul exposed the middle order. Captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to drop down the order backfired. He is expected to return as an opener in Brisbane. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli’s struggles outside the off stump worry the Indian team.

The Indian bowlers were the bright spot. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj took four wickets each in the first innings. Harshit Rana’s weak debut may lead to Akash Deep replacing him. Washington Sundar might be added to boost the batting. India must deliver a collective batting effort to regain their footing in the series.

Key Stats (Last 10 Matches)

• Yashasvi Jaiswal: 955 runs, Average: 53.06, Strike Rate: 71.21
• Shubman Gill: 658 runs, Average: 50.62
• Jasprit Bumrah: 12 wickets, Economy Rate: 2.50

Gabba Pitch Report: Pace and Bounce to Dominate

The Gabba is renowned for its pace and bounce, making it a paradise for fast bowlers. The drop-in pitch ensures true bounce, offering opportunities for well-set batters to capitalize. Teams batting first or second have an equal record, with 26 wins each. The green surface will likely help the bowlers early on. So, the toss-winning captain might want to bowl first.

Probable Playing XIs for IND vs AUS 3rd Test

Australia (Confirmed)

1. Usman Khawaja
2. Nathan McSweeney
3. Marnus Labuschagne
4. Steve Smith
5. Mitchell Marsh
6. Travis Head
7. Alex Carey (wk)
8. Pat Cummins (c)
9. Mitchell Starc
10. Nathan Lyon
11. Josh Hazlewood

India (Predicted)

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. Rohit Sharma (c)
3. Shubman Gill
4. Virat Kohli
5. KL Rahul
6. Rishabh Pant (wk)
7. Nitish Kumar Reddy
8. Washington Sundar
9. Akash Deep
10. Mohammed Siraj
11. Jasprit Bumrah

Key Players to Watch

1. Usman Khawaja: 600 runs in the last 10 matches, Average: 33.33
2. Mitchell Marsh: 584 runs, Average: 36.5, Strike Rate: 70.27
3. Yashasvi Jaiswal: 955 runs, Average: 53.06
4. Shubman Gill: 658 runs, Average: 50.62
5. Mitchell Starc: 44 wickets in 10 matches, Economy Rate: 3.9
6. Jasprit Bumrah: 12 wickets in 2 matches, Economy Rate: 2.5

IND vs AUS 3rd Test: Final Word

The third Test at the Gabba will be a thriller. Both teams want to take the lead in the series. Australia’s strong bowlers and India’s will to recover promised a thrilling match. With ideal conditions for fast bowling, the match could hinge on the two world-class seam attacks.