India playing 11 for the third Test prediction
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is evenly poised at 1-1 after both India and Australia came up with two brilliant performances in the first two games. It's now time for the third match, which will be played at the Brisbane in Gabba from Saturday (10th December).
India is under immense pressure, having lost the second Test in a shambolic way. They were at the receiving end of a 10-wicket thrashing at the hands of Australia in a pink-ball game, and the way they played in the match has raised a lot of questions about their batting, which failed in both innings.
Going into the third game, India will be underdogs, but the way they have risen from pressure and situations has been a standout for them. They cannot afford to lose the game as well because it would cost them a place in the final of the ICC World Test Championship.
Their playing 11 for the third Test has become the major talking point and in this piece, we will take a look at that.
India Playing 11 for the third Test against Australia
Openers - Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill at 3
There are chances that Rohit Sharma will be back in the opening spot, having played the last match in the middle order. The batter sacrificed his place for KL Rahul in the second Test as he, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, scripted history in Perth with their opening partnership.
But with both Rohit struggling in the middle order and Rahul too not making runs in the last game, there are chances that the captain might be back at the top for the Brisbane Test.
Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the other opener, as the batter proved his worth in the first game with a massive century. He looked solid in the second game as well but couldn't play another big innings. He would be hoping to replicate his effort from the first game in the third Test.
At No.3, Shubman Gill will likely be there. He looked like the best Indian batter in the pink-ball Test in both innings. However, big runs, too, didn't come from him as he was bagged in the hut after having started. A lot would be reliant on him in the next game as well.
Middle order - Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul
Virat Kohli will be leading the charge in the middle order. The batter failed in both the innings of the pink-ball Test and will be key for India in Brisbane. He has looked in decent touch as he slammed a vital century in the Perth and would be keen to carry on that form in what will be the crucial game for the game.
Rishabh Pant will be keeping the wickets and would want to play the way he has been playing. In the last two games, he has come to bat under pressure and has been making runs with his ability to score runs with counter-attack. Along with him, KL Rahul will likely be there in the middle order. The right-hander has a great record in the middle-order too.
All-rounders - Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar
Nitish Kumar Reddy has been the biggest positive for India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. With the way he has batted down the order, the batter has impressed many and would be hoping to carry on the same form in the upcoming few games.
Washington Sundar is also expected to make a comeback to the team. He was replaced by Ravichandran Ashwin in the last game, but the senior pro failed to make an impact with bat and ball, and hence it is expected that Sundar will be back. The all-rounder was impressive with bat and ball in Perth and also has a great record at Perth.
Pacers - Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana
The Indian pace battery for the third Test against Australia is expected to be the same. Jasprit Bumrah is currently the leading wicket-taker in the series, while Mohammed Siraj has backed him up well. Harshit Rana looked off colours in the second game, but it is likely that he will be backed by team management.
