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.
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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
- Usman Khawaja
- Nathan McSweeney
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Mitchell Starc
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Nathan Lyon
- 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
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Washington Sundar
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Akash Deep
- Mohammed Siraj
- 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.
FAQs
Why is the Gabba pitch considered challenging?
Early-season conditions at the Gabba favor fast bowlers, with a tinge of green on the pitch and rain expected during the Test.
What changes might India consider for the third Test?
India could alter their top order, possibly reinstating Rohit Sharma as opener, and may bring Washington Sundar into the XI to compete with R Ashwin.
How has Steven Smith been performing recently?
Steven Smith has struggled, scoring just 19 runs in two Tests and going 24 innings without a century, though he has an unbeaten 91 at the Gabba in this period.
What is Rishabh Pant’s current form and mindset?
Rishabh Pant continues his fearless cricket, as seen in Adelaide, while also enjoying life off the field, making his return to the Gabba a significant moment.
Who are the favorites for the third Test?
Australia are favorites, leveraging their home advantage and momentum, but history shows that matches between these two teams are often unpredictable.
