The highly anticipated third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 is set to take place at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. With the series locked at 1-1, both teams are eager to gain the upper hand and inch closer to clinching the prestigious trophy. Let’s delve into the details and analyze the key factors leading up to this exciting encounter.
Match Details
- Match: India vs Australia, 3rd Test
- Date: December 14-18, 2024
- Time: 9:30 AM Local Time (4:00 AM GMT)
- Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
Team Overviews
India
India showcased a dominant performance in the first Test but stumbled in the second as their batting collapsed against a potent Australian bowling attack. The hosts will rely heavily on their experienced players like Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin to lead the way. Additionally, the younger brigade, including Shubman Gill and Axar Patel, must step up to fill the gaps. With home conditions favouring spin, India will likely field a spin-heavy attack.
Australia
After bouncing back emphatically in the second Test, Australia will aim to continue their momentum. Steve Smith’s experience and Marnus Labuschagne’s resilience have been the backbone of Australia’s batting. The visitors’ bowling unit, spearheaded by Pat Cummins and supported by Nathan Lyon, has been instrumental in putting India under pressure. Australia will look to counter India’s spin threat while capitalizing on their fast-bowling strength.
Key Players
India
- Virat Kohli: The star batter’s ability to perform under pressure makes him a crucial player for India.
- Ravichandran Ashwin: His mastery of the ball on turning tracks is indispensable.
- Shubman Gill: The young opener’s form at the top of the order can set the tone for India’s innings.
Australia
- Steve Smith: His consistency and ability to tackle spin make him a vital cog in Australia’s batting lineup.
- Nathan Lyon: The veteran off-spinner’s knack for extracting sharp turns will test India’s batting depth.
- Pat Cummins: The captain’s leadership and fiery spells with the new ball can be game-changing.
Head-to-Head
India and Australia share an intense rivalry in Test cricket. Out of 106 matches, Australia leads with 44 wins compared to India’s 33 victories, while 29 games have ended in a draw. In India, the hosts dominate with 23 wins to Australia’s 14.
Probable Playing XI
India:
Captain: Rohit Sharma
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli
Rishabh Pant (wk)
KL Rahul
Washington Sundar
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Harshit Rana
Mohammed Siraj
Jasprit Bumrah
Australia:
Captain: Pat Cummins
Scott Boland
Alex Carey (wk)
Travis Head
Josh Inglis
Usman Khawaja
Marnus Labuschagne
Mitchell Marsh
Nathan Lyon
Josh Jazellwood
Steven Smith
Mitchell Starc
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Pitch Report
The Holkar Cricket Stadium is known for its spin-friendly surface, making spinners a dominant force. Batting in the first innings is likely the easiest, with the pitch deteriorating as the game progresses. Teams winning the toss might prefer to bat first and post a substantial total to pressure the opposition.
Probable Scenarios
If India bats first, they will aim to cross the 400-run mark, giving their spinners ample room to exploit the conditions. Australia, on the other hand, will rely on their pace-spin combination to keep India in check and look to score big in their first innings to stay ahead in the game.
Match Predictions
With the series evenly poised, this Test could tilt either way. India’s dominance at home makes them slight favourites, but Australia’s newfound confidence adds an edge to the contest. The match will likely hinge on key individual performances, especially from the spinners and top-order batters.
Cricket fans worldwide are in for a thrilling five days as two cricketing giants lock horns in Indore. Who will emerge victorious and take the lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy? Only time will tell!
