AUS Vs IND: Here’s Why Ravichandran Ashwin And Harshit Rana Are Not Playing The Gabba Test

The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 is set to be a high-stakes encounter as India takes on Australia at the iconic Gabba in Brisbane. With the series tied at 1-1, this match will likely define the trajectory of the series, and both teams have made significant adjustments to their playing XIs in search of the winning edge. After a disappointing loss in Adelaide, Team India has rung in changes to address its shortcomings, while Australia seeks to maintain its dominance at a venue they traditionally call their fortress.

India’s Overhaul: New Faces and Tactical Adjustments

Rethinking the Bowling Attack

India’s selectors have made bold moves, particularly in the bowling department, following an underwhelming performance in Adelaide. Young pacer Harshit Rana, who leaked 86 runs in 16 wicketless overs during the last match, has been rested. In his place, Akash Deep, who has impressed in previous outings against Bangladesh and New Zealand, has been included. Deep’s ability to swing the ball and hit hard lengths is expected to make him a valuable asset on the Gabba’s lively pitch.

The decision to drop veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is another significant change. Ashwin struggled with the pink ball in Adelaide and failed to provide the breakthroughs India needed. To replace him, India has brought back Ravindra Jadeja, whose all-round abilities offer the perfect balance of control, batting depth, and wicket-taking potential. Jadeja’s knack for exploiting bounce and turn will be critical on a surface that may aid spinners later in the match.

Batting Lineup Under Scrutiny

India’s batting lineup remains largely unchanged, but the spotlight will be on skipper Rohit Sharma, who has shifted himself back to the middle order. This strategic move is designed to add stability to the batting unit, especially with the captain’s ability to anchor innings under pressure.

Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul will be tasked with providing a solid start against Australia’s fiery pace attack, while Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli will aim to dominate in the crucial middle overs. India’s batting woes in Adelaide highlighted the need for partnerships, and the team will rely on these experienced batters to deliver.

Rohit Sharma’s Tactical Gambit

Winning the toss at the Gabba, Rohit Sharma chose to bowl first, citing overcast skies, a grassy pitch, and the soft nature of the surface. This decision reflects India’s intent to make full use of the early assistance offered to seamers, especially with a rejuvenated bowling attack.

“We’re going to bowl first. It’s a little overcast with a bit of grass on the pitch, which looks soft as well. We want to make the best use of the conditions. Both teams have played good cricket in the last two games, but this is a big one for us. We need to seize the critical moments that we missed in the last match,” Rohit stated during the toss.

The skipper emphasized the importance of learning from their mistakes in Adelaide, where missed opportunities cost India the match. His leadership will be under scrutiny as he looks to inspire his team to bounce back and reclaim momentum.

Australia’s Response: Hazlewood Returns

Australia, meanwhile, has made just one change to their lineup. Josh Hazlewood, who missed the second Test due to a side strain, returns to bolster the bowling attack. He replaces Scott Boland, who performed admirably in Adelaide but is unavailable due to injury.

Hazlewood’s return adds significant strength to an already potent Australian bowling unit, which includes Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon. The towering pacer’s accuracy and ability to extract bounce make him a major threat on Gabba’s bouncy track.

The rest of Australia’s lineup remains unchanged, with skipper Pat Cummins continuing to lead from the front. The batting order, spearheaded by Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steven Smith, has been in fine form and will aim to pile on the runs to put India under pressure.

Gabba’s Legacy and Significance

The Gabba is widely regarded as Australia’s fortress in Test cricket. Before India’s historic win at the venue in 2021, Australia had remained unbeaten there for 32 years. The pitch is known for its pace and bounce, favoring seamers in the early stages and spinners as the game progresses. Overhead conditions and the grassy surface will play a crucial role in determining how the match unfolds.

For India, this venue presents both a challenge and an opportunity. A win here would mark a turning point in the series and allow India to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. For Australia, the goal is simple: to reassert their dominance and continue their formidable record at the Gabba.

Key Players to Watch

India

Ravindra Jadeja: Returning to the playing XI, Jadeja’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball will be pivotal. His control and variations could trouble Australia’s middle order, while his batting adds valuable depth.
Virat Kohli: The former captain remains India’s backbone in high-pressure situations. With several records on the line, Kohli will be keen to make a significant impact.
Akash Deep: Making his debut on Australian soil, Akash Deep will aim to replicate his domestic success and exploit the Gabba’s bounce.

Australia

Josh Hazlewood: Back in the side, Hazlewood’s ability to maintain relentless accuracy will be key in testing India’s top order.
Marnus Labuschagne: The in-form batter thrives in home conditions and will look to anchor Australia’s innings once again.
Nathan Lyon: As the pitch deteriorates, Lyon’s off-spin could play a decisive role in the later stages of the game.

Playing XIs for the Gabba Test

India

Rohit Sharma (c)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli
Ravindra Jadeja
Rishabh Pant (wk)
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
Akash Deep

Australia

Usman Khawaja
Nathan McSweeney
Marnus Labuschagne
Steven Smith
Travis Head
Mitchell Marsh
Alex Carey (wk)
Pat Cummins (c)
Mitchell Starc
Nathan Lyon
Josh Hazlewood

The Stage Is Set

With both teams eager to seize the upper hand in the series, the Gabba Test promises high drama and intense competition. The inclusion of fresh faces and the return of key players add intrigue to what is already shaping up to be a thrilling encounter. While Australia will rely on their home advantage, India’s determination to bounce back could make this a contest for the ages.

Will India overcome their Adelaide setback and reclaim the momentum, or will Australia reaffirm their dominance at their fortress? All eyes are on Brisbane as the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 gets underway.

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