“Will struggle with the bounce and pace” - Former Australia cricketers’ predictions for BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Former Australian cricketers Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist have backed the home side to come out on top against India in the upcoming third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, starting December 14. India and Australia have taken turns dominating each other in the first two Tests, leaving the five-match series even at 1-1.
Australia boast an incredible Test record in Brisbane, winning 42 out of their 66 matches with only 10 losses. Meanwhile, India has only won once at the venue in seven Tests.
Speaking to SEN Breakfast, Hayden felt India would struggle to cope with the pace and bounce of the Gabba wicket.
"I’m aligning with Australia. India, I think will struggle with the bounce and pace of this wicket again. But I do think it’s going to be a close game. Still, I’ve got Australia to win," he said.
Meanwhile, Hayden's former opening partner Gilchrist echoed his sentiments about an Australian win.
"I do (think Australia can go up 2-1). And I’m tipping a Marnus (Labuschagne) hundred," he predicted.
The last two bilateral Test series in Australia were similarly tied at 1-1 before India emerged victorious by 2-1 margins in 2018/19 and 2020/21.
Team India won their last Test outing in Brisbane to cap off memorable series win against Australia
Team India is well-accustomed to proving predictions wrong in an Australian Test series, especially at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Like the ongoing affair, the series was tied 1-1 when India and Australia met in the Brisbane Test in 2020/21. However, the Brisbane Test was the series decider on that occasion.
An enthralling Test match saw Australia score 369 in the first innings and reduce India to 186/6 in their response. However, unlikely batting heroes, Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar helped the visitors recover to post a healthy 336 in their first essay.
Australia then raced to 294 in their second innings, setting up a thrilling final innings target of 328 for the Indian batting lineup.
Despite playing without several star players, India rode on match-winning half-centuries from Shubman Gill (91), Cheteshwar Pujara (56), and Rishabh Pant (89*) to pull off a memorable three-wicket win.
The stunning result meant the Indian side, dealing with many injuries, sealed the series by a 2-1 margin.