IND vs AUS 3rd Test Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

AUS vs IND 3rd Test Preview [Source: AP]

The stage is set for a blockbuster third Test as Australia and India lock horns at the Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday, December 14. With the series level at 1-1, this match promises to be a cracker.

Australia bounced back strongly in Adelaide with a 10-wicket hammering of India, while the visitors will look to channel their 2021 heroics at this very ground.

IND vs AUS 3rd Test: Match Details And Live Streaming

IND vs AUS 3rd Test Preview: Cummins & Co. Riding High On Confidence

After a poor start in Perth, Australia came out with all guns blazing in Adelaide. Mitchell Starc was on fire, tearing through the Indian batting with a six-wicket haul. Travis Head led the charge with the bat, smashing a dominant century that put the Aussies firmly in the driver's seat.

Captain Pat Cummins showed why he's considered one of the best, picking up a five-wicket haul in the second innings to bowl India out of the game. The Aussies looked sharp, and with Josh Hazlewood returning from injury, their bowling attack only gets stronger.

On the batting front, Marnus Labuschagne started to find his groove with a fifty, but Steve Smith’s form remains a worry. The former skipper hasn't scored a hundred in 24 innings, and his 19 runs in the series so far are uncharacteristic. A big knock from Smith could be just around the corner, and the Aussies would love for it to come at the Gabba.

IND vs AUS 3rd Test Preview: Rohit Sharma’s Men Looking To Bounce Back

India's batting was a house of cards in Adelaide, collapsing under pressure from the Aussie pacers. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul failed to deliver at the top, leaving the middle order exposed. Rohit Sharma's decision to demote himself didn't pay off, and there's a chance he might return to opening alongside Jaiswal.

Shubman Gill got starts in both innings but couldn't convert them, while Virat Kohli’s woes outside off stump continued. Rohit and Pant also struggled, and neither was able to put up a fight. The batting unit needs to step up, or the series could slip away.

With the ball, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were the bright spots, picking up four wickets each in the first innings. Harshit Rana had a forgettable outing and might make way for Akash Deep. Ravichandran Ashwin was below par, and Washington Sundar could be brought in to bolster the batting lineup as India aim to take a 2-1 lead in the high-stakes series.

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IND vs AUS 3rd Test Pitch Report: What To Expect From The Gabba Surface?

The Gabba is known for its pace and bounce, which is a dream for pacers. However, batters who get their eye in can make the most of the true bounce and score freely. The drop-in pitch adds another dimension, and adapting quickly will be key for both sides. 

Historically, there's no clear advantage to batting first or second, with 26 wins each for teams in either scenario. However, the captain winning the toss might prefer to bowl first to avoid the hostile conditions, as a green pitch awaits both teams at this venue. 

IND vs AUS 3rd Test: Key Players And Stats

• Usman Khawaja: 600 runs in the last 10 matches, Average: 33.33, SR: 41.32
• Mitchell Marsh: 584 runs in the last 10 matches, Average: 36.5, SR: 70.27
• Yashasvi Jaiswal: 955 runs in the last 10 matches, Average: 53.06, SR: 71.21
• Shubman Gill: 658 runs in the last 8 matches, Average: 50.62, SR: 61.9
• Mitchell Starc: 44 wickets in the last 10 matches, ER: 3.9
• Josh Hazlewood: 43 wickets in the last 9 matches, ER: 2.64
• Jasprit Bumrah: 12 wickets in the last 2 matches, ER: 2.50

IND vs AUS 3rd Test: Probable Playing XIs

Australia (Confirmed): Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Mitch Marsh, Travis Head, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah

IND vs AUS 3rd Test: Winner Prediction

Considering the current form, home advantage and track record at the venue, Australia are the firm favourites to win the third Test.

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