The third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane, started with some bold words from the captain of the Indian team- Rohit Sharma. Winning the toss, he decided to go for bowling first. This is because he hoped overcast conditions and a slightly green tinge on the wicket would favour India. That was a strategy shift from India, expecting to catch the moisture as early as possible and build pressure on the Australian top order.
Jadeja’s Return and Akash Deep’s Debut
India, to strengthen their bowling further, brought in two vital changes to their playing XI. They reinstated the reliable all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to the side for the missing Test. This was at the cost of off-spinner R Ashwin. Cricket pundits went abuzz with this move as Ashwin had been a regular in the Indian side in the recent past. India handed young pacer Akash Deep his first Test cap outside India, replacing the struggling Harshit Rana. Deep, relatively inexperienced at the Test level, earned the trust of the Indian team management to make an impact on the match.
Rohit’s Explanation
Rohit Sharma explained that the overcast conditions and the grass on the pitch influenced his decision to bowl first. It looks soft as well. We want to make the best use of these conditions. He further said the team was confident in their bowling attack, and they thought they could pick early wickets.
The Debate Over Jadeja’s Inclusion in Gabba
Jadeja’s return to the side made the cricketing fraternity go gaga. While some praised Jadeja’s multi-skilled abilities and his ability to deliver with both bat and ball, others criticized the decision to drop Ashwin, who has been so consistent for India in recent times. Former India coach Sanjay Bangar was one who couldn’t believe over Ashwin’s exclusion from the squad while former cricketer Deep Dasgupta admitted his surprise but made a case for Jadeja’s place in the squad, an all-rounder indeed.
Australia, on the other hand, will try to level the series and hold the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on home turf. Australian team management has yet to confirm their final XI, but they are most likely going to play their full-strength side. Gabba has always been considered a fortress for Australia, and it would not be easy to lose that fortress.
History of the Gabba
The Gabba is also referred to as the “Gabba Fortress” which, over the years, had its own share of spectacular cricket. This place is not really an exciting atmosphere but its challenging pitch which makes most games favour the bowling teams. India, through these four Test matches it had in the Gabba, did not taste a single win. On the other hand, this particular Indian team seems very confident, hoping to break the jinx here.
India’s Road to Redemption
India’s journey to the Gabba Test has been a rollercoaster ride. The team was disappointed after the first Test in Adelaide went into the hands of Australia. But, the team came back strongly and won the second Test in Melbourne. The series is now at an equal level. Both teams are keen to gain a decisive advantage.
The third Test promises to be an exciting game with both teams hoping to win the match. Indian team will look forward to the bold decisions they are making paying off, while Australia will look to defend their home turf and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
