3rd Test Live: India and Australia eye crucial series lead at Gabba

Virat Kohli is on the verge of achieving another significant milestone in Australia. He needs 25 more runs in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy to reach 1500 Test runs in the country. This would make him only the second Indian, after Sachin Tendulkar, to reach this landmark.

Kohli currently has 1475 Test runs in Australia. He is just short of the 1500-run mark. Tendulkar holds the Indian record with 1809 runs. Kohli would need another 334 runs to surpass Tendulkar's record.

Kohli has an impressive seven Test centuries in Australia. This places him second only to Jack Hobbs, who scored nine centuries as a visiting batter. Kohli's average in Australia stands at 52.67, with a high score of 169.

The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba presents a significant challenge for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as Rohit and Virat's first-innings averages in the 2024-25 season are a concerning 6.88 and 10, respectively.

The Gabba Test is more than just another match; it could be a series decider with implications for the World Test Championship race.

The venue, known for its bouncy pitches, has historically favored aggressive cricket.

For India, victory would underline their resilience and strengthen their position in the championship.

For Australia, it’s an opportunity to assert dominance and avenge past defeats.

The psychological edge gained from a win here could shape future contests between these two teams. With both sides grappling with form and conditions, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown.

Australia’s batting has mirrored India’s fragility, with only Travis Head showing consistent aggression.

Head’s counterattacking style has often put pressure on Indian bowlers, making him a key wicket. Steve Smith’s struggle with straight-line bowling and Labuschagne’s patchy form are concerns for the hosts. Youngster Nathan McSweeney showed grit in Adelaide, but the lineup remains vulnerable if Bumrah strikes early.

Australia’s strategy revolves around surviving Bumrah’s opening spell and targeting the less effective Indian bowlers.

With Josh Hazlewood returning to replace Scott Boland, their bowling attack gains strength, providing additional support to Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

Ravindra Jadeja’s return to the XI could be a game-changer for India. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an invaluable asset in overseas conditions.

While Ashwin and Washington Sundar have been steady, Jadeja offers more versatility and depth. His batting prowess can strengthen the lower middle order, which has often collapsed under pressure. On a Gabba pitch that might not turn much, Jadeja’s ability to extract bounce and his sharp fielding could make a significant difference.

The team management faces a tough call in balancing experience and potential.

Jasprit Bumrah has been India's standout performer, consistently outshining other bowlers in the series. His ability to extract movement and pace has kept India in the contest. However, he cannot do it alone.

The other bowlers need to step up and deliver, particularly against an Australian batting lineup that has struggled for consistency.

Bumrah's first spell with the new Kookaburra will be critical, and the team needs to capitalize on any breakthroughs he provides. Support from spinners like Ashwin or Jadeja, alongside a strong second pacer, could be pivotal in exploiting Australia’s vulnerabilities.

India's batting struggles, especially in the first innings, have been a recurring issue. With six sub-150 totals in the past year, the team has often been on the back foot.

The Gabba pitch, offering bounce and seam movement, will test the Indian top order.

Rohit Sharma's batting position is under scrutiny, with debates about whether he should open or bat lower to counter the conditions. For India to succeed, the team needs big contributions from the top order, including Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, to provide a foundation for the middle order and ease the pressure on their bowlers.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two giants of Indian cricket, face mounting pressure as they prepare to battle Australia on a challenging Gabba surface. With the series tied 1-1, their ability to lead the batting unit will be crucial.

Despite their undeniable skill, both have struggled for form in the ongoing season, with Rohit averaging 6.88 and Kohli 10 in first innings performances. Kohli's recent century in Perth provided a much-needed boost, but Rohit needs a captain's knock to inspire his side. Their performances could shape not only this match but also India’s prospects in the World Test Championship.

The third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba, with the series tied 1-1, is a pivotal clash for both teams.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli face mounting pressure to lead India's batting on a challenging track, with their recent form under scrutiny. India's first-innings collapses and reliance on Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling highlight key vulnerabilities. Ravindra Jadeja’s inclusion could add balance.

Australia’s Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood boost their lineup, but concerns over Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne’s form persist. The Test's outcome could define the series and shape India’s path in the World Test Championship, raising the stakes significantly.