Australia vs India 3rd Test Preview: Underperforming Batters Prepare for A Challenging Trial at the Gabba

The series is back to square one, with both teams tied and set to clash once more on legendary ground. The cricket has been gripping, occasionally unpredictable, and even a touch fiery between the players. The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is teetering on the edge of becoming a classic. Just picture the stakes if it’s 2-2 heading into Sydney.

Australia vs India 3rd Test: Match Preview

Some of the bowling on display has been nothing short of mesmerizing—Harshit Rana dismantling Travis Head’s off stump in Perth, Pat Cummins delivering a mirror image dismissal against Rohit Sharma in Adelaide, and Jasprit Bumrah captivating every time he strides in to bowl. It’s no wonder the Gabba is eager for its turn, with the pitch still showing a hint of green just a day before the match.

A first-innings average of 18.65 runs per wicket—a figure surpassed only once in the last decade during a one-off Test between England and Ireland—speaks volumes. It underscores not only the brilliance of the bowling attacks on both sides but also the challenging conditions and the vulnerability of the batters.

Australia is ushering in a new opener, while their two most dependable run-scorers are falling short of their usual standards. India can relate, as Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith’s struggles parallel those of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the latter possibly resuming his opener’s role. For Labuschagne, Smith, and Sharma, their mid-to-late 30s bring added scrutiny, especially given the surprise that these marquee players have yet to leave a definitive mark on this high-stakes series. Kohli does have a century to his name, but it was Yashasvi Jaiswal’s heroics that secured the win in that match.

It’s hardly shocking that surprises are par for the course when these two teams face off. In 2017, Australia struck first, only for India to respond in kind—history repeated itself in 2021. Meanwhile, in 2018 and 2023, it was India who took the initial lead, with Australia staging the comebacks. This back-and-forth rivalry underscores just how evenly matched these sides are.

Australia’s unexpected triumph in Indore last year and India’s stunning win in Perth a fortnight ago defied expectations, and with the festive season underway, more twists and turns are almost guaranteed.

Australia vs India 3rd Test: Recent Form

Australia: WLWWL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
India: LWLLL

Australia vs India 3rd Test: Head-to-head

• Matches Played – 109
• Matches Won by Australia – 46
• Matches Won by India – 33
• Matches Lost by Australia – 32
• Matches Lost by India – 46
• Matches Drawn – 29
• Matches Tied – 1

Australia vs India 3rd Test: Weather Report & Pitch Conditions as Wet Weather Looms

Australia have lost two of their last four Tests at the Gabba, a significant shift after an unbeaten run spanning 32 years. However, both defeats came late in the season, during January. In contrast, early-season matches have been a haven for fast bowlers. The December 2022 Test against South Africa wrapped up in just two days, showcasing the pace-friendly conditions, while the December 2021 Ashes clash ended with a dominant nine-wicket victory for Australia.

The early-season tendency for lively wickets is likely to be amplified this time, with rain predicted throughout the Test.

“[Yesterday it] looked like a good wicket, like it has the last few years,” said Pat Cummins. “Bit of sun baking on it the last couple of days. Don’t think it’s as green and leafy as it was against South Africa.”

Australia vs India 3rd Test: Team News and Predicted XI

Australia – Team News

Australia’s premier pace trio is set to reunite at the Gabba, with Josh Hazlewood rejoining Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.

Australia – Predicted XI

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

India – Team News

India could be considering adjustments, particularly in their top order. Will Rohit Sharma return to his opener’s role? Is he regaining his best form? Thursday’s net session offered encouraging signs, with most batters—particularly Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill—sharpening their back-foot play.

Akash Deep, who was India’s third pacer during the home season, was replaced in Perth by a stronger batter. With the team no longer overly concerned about batting depth, Harshit Rana might be headed back to the bench. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar could be challenging R Ashwin for a spot in the XI.

India – Predicted XI

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

Australia vs India 3rd Test: Players Under the Spotlight

Australia – Steve Smith

Steven Smith has managed just 19 runs across two Tests, and his last century came 24 innings ago. However, he did score an unbeaten 91 at the Gabba during that stretch, which he cited as evidence that his stint as an opener wasn’t entirely misguided.

Now back at No. 4 by popular demand, Smith has faced early struggles in his innings—issues he previously managed to steer clear of, such as being dismissed lbw.

India – Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant remains true to his dynamic self. In Adelaide, with India three wickets down in the 15th over, he boldly stepped out and lofted Scott Boland over cover.

Off the field, he was spotted at Rundle Mall, pausing his shopping to play peek-a-boo with a child. Now, he returns to the site of his greatest cricketing triumph, following what has also been a remarkable personal journey.

Australia vs India 3rd Test: Match Prediction

Australia enter the third Test as strong favorites, backed by form, momentum, and the advantage of playing on home turf. They will aim to capitalize on these factors to secure a win against India.

However, history has shown that records hold little weight when India and Australia face off. After a crushing 295-run defeat in the first Test, Australia rebounded to claim victory in the second. India will now be hoping for a similar reversal of fortunes in the upcoming clash.

When and Where to Watch the Australia vs India 3rd Test LIVE? Live Telecast and Streaming Details

The third Test match between Australia and India will be held from Saturday, December 14-18, with Day 1 starting at 5:50 AM IST. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network, and you can also stream it live on the Disney+ Hotstar website and app.

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