AUS vs IND Third Test Team Preview
The AUS vs IND third Test match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will be played on 14 December 2024 at Gabba, Woolloongabba, Australia. Both the teams are currently tied at 1-1 and this match will be an opportunity to take a decisive lead in the series. The Gabba ground is known for its challenging pitch and historic matches, where India last won in 2021.
Australia (AUS)
Australia won the second Test in Adelaide by 10 wickets in a spectacular manner. Travis Head turned the match around with an innings of 140 runs and was adjudged the Player of the Match. Apart from him, Marnus Labuschagne also regained his form by scoring an important half-century.
In bowling, the trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Scott Boland performed brilliantly. These bowlers are expected to get more help from swing and bounce on the Gabba pitch. Nathan Lyon will have to perform better in spin against India, as his bowling has not been effective so far.
Recent form: W L W W L W W
Key players: Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc
India (IND)
India suffered a big defeat in the Adelaide Test, where their batting completely faltered. Nitish Kumar Reddy scored the most runs for the team in both innings. However, the performance of middle-order batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma was disappointing.
In bowling, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj took wickets but failed to give the team a decisive lead. On the pitch of Gabba, India will have more expectations from their spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Also, the batting order will have to show stability and patience.
Recent Form: L W L L L W W
Key Players: Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, Nitish Kumar Reddy
AUS vs IND Third Test Probable Playing XI
AUS Probable Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
IND Probable Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Rohit Sharma (captain), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
AUS vs IND Third Test Pitch Report
The pitch at Gabba helps both batsmen and bowlers. In the early days, fast bowlers will get bounce and swing, while later spinners will get help from turn and bounce. Batsmen will get a chance to play big innings after getting set.
The average score of the first innings is 320-350 runs.
The team winning the toss should bat first, as batting in the fourth innings can be difficult.
Weather Report
There is a possibility of rain at the Gabba on all five days, which may interrupt the match. The temperature will be around 25°C, and the humidity will be high.
Top Fantasy Picks for Australia
Usman Khawaja: Veteran batsman Usman Khawaja has strengthened Australia’s batting with his consistency in the last 10 matches. He has scored 600 runs at an average of 33.33 and a strike rate of 41.32. His technical prowess and patience give the team a strong start, which is important for a big score.
Mitchell Marsh: Mitchell Marsh’s aggressive batting style has often helped the team out of difficult situations. He has scored 584 runs in 10 matches at an average of 36.5 and a strike rate of 70.27. His powerful stroke play gives depth to Australia’s middle order.
Mitchell Starc: Mitchell Starc’s magic continues in bowling. He has taken 44 wickets in 10 matches at an economy of 3.9 and a strike rate of 40.31. His accurate yorkers and fast balls cause trouble for the opposing batsmen.
Josh Hazlewood: Josh Hazlewood has greatly troubled the batsmen with his line and length. He has taken 43 wickets in 9 matches at an economy of 2.64 and a strike rate of 37.72. His control and variety give edge to the Australian attack.
Top Fantasy Picks for India
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Young batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal is in his best form. He has scored 955 runs in 10 matches at an average of 53.06 and a strike rate of 71.21. His aggressive style and consistency strengthens India’s top order. Jaiswal’s form can prove to be a match-winner for India.
Shubman Gill: Shubman Gill has scored 658 runs in 8 matches at an average of 50.62 and a strike rate of 61.9 with his classic batting. His technique and shot selection have emerged as a reliable opener for India.
Ravindra Jadeja: Ravindra Jadeja’s utility in bowling has been unmatched. He has taken 39 wickets in 8 matches at an economy of 3.11 and a strike rate of 36.64. Apart from his bowling, his contribution in fielding and batting makes him a valuable all-rounder for India.
Ravichandran Ashwin: Ashwin has used his cleverness and experience to the fullest. He has taken 38 wickets in 9 matches with an economy of 3.72 and a strike rate of 40.5. His varied bowling is a big weapon for India.
AUS vs IND Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:
Captain: Travis Head, Jasprit Bumrah
Vice-Captain: Marnus Labuschagne, Virat Kohli
Australia vs India Dream11 Team Suggestions
Small League Team for IND vs AUS Match
Wicketkeeper: Rishabh Pant
Batsmen: Travis Head, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill
All-rounders: Mitchell Marsh, Nitish Kumar Reddy
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah
