India and Australia enter the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series at The Gabba in Brisbane, with the series tied at 1-1. Both teams have their strengths and areas of concern as they prepare for this crucial match, which could provide a significant advantage as the series progresses.
Australia responded strongly in Adelaide after criticism following their Perth defeat, dominating with a pink-ball win in under three days. With the top-order improving, Travis Head and Mitchell Starc in top form, and Josh Hazlewood back in the lineup, the hosts look formidable.
Here are 3 things Australia must do to beat India in the BGT 2024-25 third Test at The Gabba:
#3 Continue using the short-ball strategy
Australia exploited India’s limited experience on Australian soil by choosing a fiery pitch in Perth for the series opener. The extra pace and bounce Down Under unsettled India from the start, highlighting their struggle to adapt.
India’s series lead came thanks to their bowlers’ brilliance and favorable conditions in Perth’s second innings. However, they were caught off guard again at Adelaide Oval, where the extra bounce and the pink ball played a significant role.
Pat Cummins used a short-ball strategy to unsettle India’s batters, dismissing key players like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. The Gabba could be India’s toughest challenge, as upcoming matches in Melbourne and Sydney favor them. Australia must remain aggressive, with Cummins and Hazlewood’s height helping generate extra bounce.
#2 Exploit India’s weaknesses in the first innings
India’s struggles in the first innings during the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle are well-known. Frequent batting collapses, caused by a lack of partnerships, failure to spend time at the crease, and poor shot selection, have resulted in concerning statistics.
Australia has been effective with the new ball, dismissing India for 150 and 180 in the first innings of both Tests. To maintain this success, they need Mitchell Starc’s intensity and Hazlewood’s accuracy. A poor first innings total would increase pressure on bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah to perform under strain.
A weak first innings total would also put India under pressure in their second innings, either due to a deficit or while chasing a target.
#1 Disrupt India’s supporting bowlers
A key difference in Australia’s batting between the first and second Tests was how they handled India’s bowlers other than Bumrah. In Perth, they showed too much respect to debutants Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy.
However, in Adelaide, Australia gained momentum by targeting the support bowlers after facing the new pink ball. Rana had a poor Test, going wicketless and conceding over five runs per over.
With in-form, aggressive batters, Australia should stick to this approach, confident that India won’t be able to apply consistent pressure from both ends.
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