Australia vs India 3rd Test Tips - India aiming for comeback after crushing defeat

By Nikhil Kalro

10 Dec 2024

Nikhil Kalro 10 Dec 2024

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Australia defeated India by 10 wickets in Adelaide, leveling the series 1-1
Key performances included Travis Head's century and Mitchell Starc's 6/48
Possible changes for Brisbane: Josh Hazlewood for Australia, Akash Deep for India

Jasprit Bumrah (Getty Images)

Australia vs India Third Test Preview

India were handed a crushing defeat in the second Test by a resolute, clinical Australian team that were under heavy pressure after the first match in Perth.

Australia, led by a stunning hundred from Travis Head, came storming back in the pink ball test in Adelaide to beat India by 10 wickets and level the five-match series 1-1.

Mitchell Starc first used the pink ball to pick up 6 for 48 in the first innings to bowl India out for 180 in the first innings.

Australia were then led by a rapid 140 off just 141 balls by Head as Australia piled up a huge lead of 157 in tricky conditions, with the pink ball routinely troubling batters with lateral movement.

Australia captain Pat Cummins then picked up 5 for 57 in the second innings as India were dismissed for another paltry score of 175.

"This week we were back to our best, the team I remember and how we want to play our cricket so really satisfying," Cummins said after the match.

"I was pretty pumped up. Probably felt like some big wickets in the context of the match. Especially the pink ball, feels like the margins have been quite small so maybe just pretty excited - more so than normal."

Australia Form

Some of Australia’s batters continued to fail in Adelaide but the camp will be happy with the return to form for Marnus Labuschagne, who scored a solid 64 off 126 balls.

Steve Smith, however, had another single-digit score as he was strangled down the leg side for 2.

The bowlers found their rhythm in both innings, using favourable bowling conditions to trouble India’s batters, particularly with seam and swing.

Nathan Lyon bowled just one over in the whole test with conditions favouring the fast bowlers. That may change in Brisbane, albeit not by much, with the bounce on offer.

Australia Team News

Scott Boland delivered a spirited performance with five wickets across both innings but he may have to make way for Josh Hazlewood in Brisbane.

A side strain kept Hazlewood out of the second Test but he could be ready in time for the third Test in Brisbane. That may be Australia’s only change.

India Form

India registered their third score of under 200 in four innings in Adelaide. There are several concerns around the quality of their batting depth, particularly with an attacking top order, that could be exacerbated on a bouncy pitch like Brisbane in the next match.

Rohit Sharma moved down the order to bat at No. 6, and will likely stay there for the next match too. "I can see guys are putting a lot of effort into their plans, in what they want to do," Rohit said after the match.

"There has been a lot of conversation around that within the group, which is what I will be looking into. How are we planning, how are we talking within ourselves and what are our plans mindset while playing a test match.”

India Team News

India may consider Akash Deep in the place of Harshit Rana, who has not quite hit the mark in Australia so far. While concerns remain, India may stick to their batting order in Brisbane.

Verdict

Australia v India 3rd Test

India have shown a propensity to bounce back when conditions have been tough. It was in Brisbane on their last tour that they completed a stunning come-from-behind victory to win the series.

India’s bowlers could benefit from additional days of rest to trouble Australia’s batters in Brisbane.