IND vs AUS 3rd Test: The Gabba Brisbane Cricket Ground Pitch Report

Debashis Sarangi

The Gabba, Brisbane [Source: @cricketcomau/X]The Gabba, Brisbane [Source: @cricketcomau/X]

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On Saturday, India will lock horns with Australia in the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Brisbane Cricket Ground, also known as The Gabba. With the series levelled at one-all, we anticipate a cracking contest at this iconic venue. 

Led by Rohit Sharma, India had a forgettable outing in the pink ball Test at Adelaide Oval, with the hosts restoring parity in the series with a remarkable victory. While the Indian batters' issue with the moving ball was once again exposed, their inability to neutralise Travis Head cost them the game yet again at the highest level. 

So, moving on to this game, the visitors would like to remember their past heroics at this venue and try to replicate a similar success this time. On the other hand, Australia, already boosted by Hazlewood's return, would be keen to extend their winning run. 

As both teams gear up for a cracking contest, let's see how the surface at The Gabba in Brisbane will behave throughout the contest. 

The Gabba Brisbane Cricket Ground Stats And Records In Tests

Criterion
Data
Matches Played68
Matches won batting 1st26
Matches won bowling 1st27
Average score in 1st innings327
Average score in 2nd innings317
Average score in 3rd innings238
Average score in 4th innings161


The Gabba Brisbane Cricket Ground Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The pitch for 3rd IND vs AUS Test at Gabba [Source: @CricSubhayan/X]The pitch for 3rd IND vs AUS Test at Gabba [Source: @CricSubhayan/X]

As per the latest pictures, the surface at The Gabba in Brisbane has a nice grass covering. So, the pitch will be spicy, offering significant assistance to the fast bowlers on day 1. With Brisbane's weather forecast predicting overcast conditions on all five days, expect the seamers to dominate throughout the Test match. 

In other words, it will be a green mamba, offering significantly more pace, bounce and lateral movement to the pacers than what we witnessed at the Adelaide Oval. Therefore, the conditions will be the toughest for the batters, who must grind it out in the middle to score runs. 

If the sun comes out, the wicket might get slightly better for batting as the game progresses. Having said that, the batters must get on top of the bounce and choose their strokes accordingly. 

The likes of Nathan Lyon and Washington Sundar might get a hint of overspin, but overall, it will be a fast bowlers' pitch, and pacers from both sides must get their lengths right to capitalise on the playing conditions. 

It's worth mentioning that The Gabba surface will be spicier this time, with the Test match being held before Christmas. So, it will be a sensible call for the toss-winning team to bowl first, although batting first is considered as the go-to call in Tests. 

Players To Watch Out For At The Gabba

Travis Head

The swashbuckling left-hander has been India's biggest headache in international cricket of late. India have not found a remedy for Head, and considering the batter averages 50.28 at The Gabba, he might once again spoil the visitors' party. 

Pat Cummins

The Australian captain has an incredible record at The Gabba, scalping 40 wickets in seven Tests at an average of 18.22 and an unbelievable strike rate of 38.9. His astounding numbers signify his love affair with the venue, and he will likely exploit the conditions in the third Test. 

Jasprit Bumrah

India's fast bowling great Jasprit Bumrah will be their biggest hope with the ball in Brisbane. Bumrah is the only Indian bowler who has dominated the Australians in both Test matches. So, we expect him to bring out his A-game and torment the Australian lineup on The Gabba's seam-friendly pitch. 

P.S: Apart from these players, the eyes will be on Marnus Labuschagne, who averages 62.12 here and would be keen to capitalise on his home conditions.