Cricket fans can’t wait for India vs Australia 3rd Test to get underway! We are in for a treat as the high-octane third test of the India-Australia Test series starts on 14 December at the Gabba, Brisbane.

The BGT 2024-25 series is tied at 1-1 after hosts Aussies made a strong statement with a 10-wicket win in the second match of the five-test series.

Without any further ado, let’s get right into an in-depth Australia vs India third test preview, prediction, and what to expect from the Gabba test.

Match Details

Fixture: India vs Australia 3rd Test Match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 

Start Date: 14 December 2024 (Saturday)

Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane

Match Time: First Session: 5:50 AM IST to 7:50 AM IST, Lunch Break: 7:50 AM IST to 8:30 AM IST, Second Session: 8:30 AM IST to 10:30 AM IST, Tea Break: 10:30 AM IST to 10:50 AM IST and Third Session: 10:50 AM IST to 12:50 PM IST

Pitch Report and Bowling Conditions

The Gabba pitch in Brisbane has a reputation for being fast and full of bounce. The chief curator of the venue has hinted that it is just the start of the season and the surface will be spicy. That being said, a challenging test match awaits for the batters. The bowling conditions will suit fast bowlers.

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India Playing XI, Expected Changes and Team Analysis 

India will be under tremendous pressure after a humiliating defeat in the Perth Test and a lot to prove. The onus will be on top 5-6 batsmen to come good. Another misfiring batting performance could push them out of the World Championship final 2023-25 race.

The senior batsmen – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – must step up for the visitors to put up a fight and battle the odds stacked in favor of Australia’s fiery bowling attack. Besides, others need to chip in as well to put on a total.

A few changes are expected in India’s Playing XI – like R Ashwin who struggled with injury concerns in the last match. Also, there is a chance that Akash Deep may get the nod over Harshit Rana for the Brisbane Test. 

Probable India Playing XI for Brisbane Test

1. KL Rahul
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
3. Shubman Gill
4. Virat Kohli
5. Rishabh Pant
6. Rohit Sharma
7. Nitish Reddy
8. Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar
9. Akash Deep/Harshit Rana
10. Jasprit Bumrah
11. Mohammed Siraj

Related 3rd Test IND vs AUS: 3 Changes India Should Make to Return to Winning Ways

Australia Playing XI, Expected Changes and Team Analysis 

Australia would be brimming with confidence after a mauling in the last test. With bowling conditions to their advantage and the batting order looking better than their counterparts, Australia would look to cash in on the winning momentum.

There is not much clarity on Josh Hazlewood’s availability for the third test for now. However, Aussies won’t be too fussed after the replacement Scott Boland’s clinical performance. Barring the Hazlewood-Boland swap, the hosts are likely to go in with the same team.

Probable Australia Playing XI for Brisbane Test

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

Related 5 Young Guns to Watch in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2025

5 Players to Watch Out For

1. Jasprit Bumrah (India): Jasprit Bumrah has had a terrific series so far. The premier bowler could once again be the difference between the two sides. The fast bowler has troubled the hosts, with 12 wickets at an astounding bowling average of 11.25.
2. Virat Kohli (India): Virat Kohl thrives under pressure. Back King Kohli to come good with India looking up to senior batsmen after a dismal batting performance in the last game. The run machine Virat Kohli has scored 123 runs so far in the series at a batting average of 41.
3. Steve Smith (Australia): Steve Smith is a prolific run-getter in Test cricket. He has had a quiet series (19 runs at a batting average of 6.33) thus far but a quality player like him can’t remain silent for long. He is due for runs. 
4. Mitchell Starc (Australia): Mitchell Starc is bowling with great control and was one of the architects of Aussie win in the second test. With pace and bounce on offer at the Gabba pitch, the left-arm fast bowler could be too hot to handle. He is the leading wicket-taker in the series for the hosts with 11 wickets in 2 matches.
5. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India): The Indian opener is the best batsman for his side in 2024. After a superb ton in the first test, he showcased what he brings to the table. Jaiswal has 185 runs in the series so far at an average of 46.25.

Related The Indian Players Who’ve Shone on Australian Soil: Border-Gavaskar Trophy Legends

Which team is the favorite to win the 3rd Test at the Gabba?

For sure, the India vs Australia 3rd Test at the Gabba is going to be full of exciting cricket and edge-of-the-seat entertainment. Who holds the edge in the third test?

Australia is slightly in front with a more potent bowling attack, bowling conditions, and a winning momentum. 

For India to do well and come out on top, the biggest challenge would be negating the bowling conditions to neutralize their counterparts. Don’t rule India out just yet! India came out victorious in their last test match at the Gabba and can do it again with the right mindset.

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