AUS vs IND, 3rd BGT Test | Fantasy Tips, Prediction & Preview

Australia will take on India in the third Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The series is evenly poised at 1-1, with Australia bouncing back in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide after India delivered the first blow in the series opener in Perth.

Australia enters the match as the favorites, having dominated the previous test. Their pace-heavy attack, spearheaded by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, will be suited to the bouncy Gabba pitch. Australia’s batting, led by Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith, has been in excellent form, and they will look to build on their momentum. The team has depth in both batting and bowling, which gives them a tactical advantage going into the 3rd Test. Australia will focus on controlling the game with early breakthroughs and consistent batting.

India will need to regroup after their defeat in the second Test. Their top-order batters, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, must rise to the occasion and counter Australia’s pace attack. India’s bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, will play a critical role in breaking Australia’s strong batting partnerships. India must adapt to the pace-friendly conditions at the Gabba and ensure they get early breakthroughs to set the tone. Their middle-order, led by Shubman Gill, will need to step up if early wickets fall. 

Match Timings

Match Toss Time - 05:20 AM IST (11:50 PM GMT)

Match Start Time - 05:50 AM IST (12:20 AM GMT)

Match Venue - The Gabba, Brisbane, Australia

Head to Head

Matches Played - 109

Australia won - 46     India won - 33

Draw - 29                  Tied - 01

Last 5 meetings

Australia won - 03     India won - 01

Draw - 01

Pitch Report

The surface at the Gabba in Brisbane is renowned for its pace and bounce, which typically benefits fast bowlers. The surface tends to be hard and offers carry to seamers, making early wickets crucial for both teams. As the game progresses, spinners may find some assistance, especially on the fourth and fifth days, but the pitch is known to remain challenging for batters throughout.

Weather Report

Thunderstorms are predicted on the first day, with intermittent rain expected over the course of the match. The temperature is expected to be around 25-30°C with humidity varying from 43-57%.

Probable Playing XI  

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

India (IND) - 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

Must Picks

AUS - Travis Head, Mitchell Starc

IND -  Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah

AUS vs IND Fantasy Team

Wicket-Keeper : Rishabh Pant

Batters : Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head

All-rounder : Mitchell Marsh, Nitish Kumar Reddy

Bowlers : Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood

Captain and Vice-Captain picks

Captain : Jasprit Bumrah

Vice-Captain : Mitchell Starc

Prediction

India haven't lost a Test match played with the red ball in Australia since the Perth Test in 2018. Expect India to bounce back hard, but Australia will hold the edge on a pacey pitch in Brisbane in the early half of the Australian summer. Considering the current form, home advantage and track record at the venue, Australia are the firm favourites to win the third Test.

Sportco predicts Australia to beat India in the third Test of the five-match Test series.

Disclaimer

All the information on Sportco is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. The website does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. The website will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website.

Cover Credits - BCCI Official