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The upcoming third Test match between India and Australia at the Gabba presents a critical juncture for the Indian team, particularly its captain, Rohit Sharma. Sharma's recent performance has been underwhelming, casting a shadow over his leadership and raising questions about his place in the batting order. His lean patch with the bat, marked by a failure to surpass 20 runs in his last eight innings, has fueled considerable criticism from pundits and fans alike. His struggles were particularly evident in the Adelaide Test, where he appeared low on confidence and was dismissed cheaply in both innings, facing a mere 38 deliveries across the match. This raises significant concerns about India's prospects in Brisbane, a venue with a history of challenging conditions for visiting teams.
Beyond his batting woes, Sharma's captaincy has also come under the microscope. His field placements and bowling changes have drawn criticism, suggesting a need for more strategic acumen under pressure. The pressure is mounting on Sharma, who requires a strong performance to bolster his confidence and reassure the team. The short turnaround between the Adelaide and Gabba Tests (only five days) has further complicated matters, forcing him to make crucial decisions regarding both his batting position and the team's overall composition. The question of where he will bat remains unanswered. Will he return to the opening slot, or cede the position to KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal? The nets sessions offered no concrete answers, with Sharma practicing at both the top and middle order. Former India coach Ravi Shastri has suggested a return to the opening position as the only path to redemption for Sharma, emphasizing the need to take the initiative against Australia's formidable pace attack. However, given his current form, facing the new ball might be a risky strategy.
The challenge extends beyond Sharma's individual performance. India's batting order as a whole requires a reassessment. While Nitish Kumar Reddy's strong performance provides some stability, the team's lower-order batting remains a significant weakness. The selection of bowlers is another area of contention. R Ashwin's contribution has been mixed; while effective with the ball, his batting hasn't provided the desired support. This has led to calls for Washington Sundar's inclusion or potentially Ravindra Jadeja, both known for their superior batting abilities compared to other lower-order batsmen. However, pundits such as Deep Dasgupta have advocated for consistency, urging the continuation of Ashwin for a sustained run, emphasizing the importance of giving players security and a chance to perform consistently. In the pace bowling department, India might opt for Akash Deep over Harshit Rana, seeking greater control to complement their main strike bowlers. The fitness of Jasprit Bumrah remains a concern, necessitating a solid contribution from Mohammed Siraj and the third pace option to mitigate the risk of Australia neutralizing Bumrah's threat. There is speculation about whether India might opt for a four-pace attack; however, given Pat Cummins' assessment that the Gabba pitch might be less lively than usual due to sunny conditions, a more balanced combination of three pacers, one all-rounder, and a spinner seems more likely.
The Gabba pitch itself adds another layer of complexity to the equation. While the grass cover has been reduced, the sunny conditions preceding the match could favor batsmen. Yet, the Gabba is renowned for its pace and bounce, potentially creating challenging conditions for batsmen. It is noteworthy that Australia's defeats at the Gabba in the 21st century have occurred in post-Christmas Tests, indicating the potential for pitch characteristics to change throughout the Australian summer. Australia, having recalled Josh Hazlewood from injury, appear well-prepared for the match. Their announced XI features a potent combination of batsmen and bowlers, presenting a formidable challenge to India's struggling squad. The upcoming encounter promises a thrilling contest, with India's success hinged on Sharma's form, strategic decisions in the team composition, and the unpredictable nature of the Gabba pitch.
In conclusion, the third Test at the Gabba presents a multifaceted challenge for India. Rohit Sharma's performance is paramount, but the team's overall batting and bowling composition need careful consideration. The pitch conditions also remain a critical variable. With both teams having announced their likely starting XIs, the stage is set for a high-stakes encounter, where the outcome will depend heavily on the tactical decisions made by both captains, the form of key players, and the unpredictable nature of the Gabba pitch itself. The potential for a gripping contest is high, with the potential for any number of scenarios unfolding during the match given the uncertainty surrounding the form of key players and the pitch conditions.
Source: 3rd Test preview: Under-fire Rohit in focus as Australia aim to reclaim fortress Gabba