The Indian cricket team is currently on a tour of Australia, where they are playing a five-match Test series against the hosts. The series is currently tied at 1-1. The third Test between the two teams is set to take place at Brisbane’s Gabba starting on December 14. The match will begin at 5:50 AM IST.
Will Gabba’s Pitch Spell Trouble for Batters?
Speculation about Gabba’s pitch is rife. The surface is expected to favor fast bowlers, offering pace and bounce. This could mean tough times ahead for the batters, especially in the initial days when bowlers are likely to dominate. The team winning the toss might choose to bowl first. Both sides have strong fast-bowling line-ups, so the contest promises to be intense.
Pictures of the Gabba pitch, where the India-Australia Test will be played, have surfaced. The wicket appears lush green, and heavy rolling is underway. The Australian team management had already indicated their intention to prepare a “green top” wicket to gain an advantage in the series. However, this move could backfire, as India’s pace attack is no less formidable than Australia’s.
The 2020-21 tour of Australia remains unforgettable, when India broke Australia’s dominance at Gabba. That defeat cost Australia the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Before that game, the hosts had remained unbeaten at Gabba since 1988. Last summer, they also suffered a heavy defeat to the West Indies at this venue.
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Insights from Gabba Curator David Sandurski
Gabba curator David Sandurski acknowledged that the wicket would assist bowlers in the early sessions. He stated, “We prepare the pitch in the same manner every time to maintain the good carry, speed, and bounce that Gabba is known for.” Sandurski also hinted that the Gabba pitch would remain traditional, as expected.
Two years ago, Australia defeated South Africa in just two days at this venue. Similarly, in a pink-ball match last month between Victoria and Queensland, nearly 15 wickets fell on the first day. However, as the game progressed, batters found it easier to score runs. Sandurski mentioned that the aim is to prepare a balanced wicket that offers something for both batters and bowlers.