As the much-anticipated 3rd Test between India and Australia approaches, both teams  are expected to retain their core squads with only minor changes on the horizon. If Josh  Hazlewood is fit, he is likely to make a comeback despite Scott Boland’s commendable  performance in Adelaide. Hazlewood’s return would be a natural choice for the  Australian side, provided he is fully recovered. Beyond this, no significant changes are  expected in Australia’s lineup. 

Marnus Labuschagne is among runs and this is such a great news for Australia. The  Australian management deserves credit for showing faith in Labuschagne despite  significant external and media pressure to make changes.  

While Labuschagne has not been at his best, their decision to back him is  commendable and justified. Similarly, Steve Smith remains a vital part of their batting  lineup, and it’s only a matter of time before he delivers a standout performance. Despite  some unfortunate dismissals earlier, Smith’s class is undeniable.  

I also like Nathan McSweeney’s approach. He has blended traditional methods with a  hint of flair, could also prove to be a strategic advantage for Australia’s top order. 

For India, Harshit Rana is likely to retain his place in the XI, although, personally, I  wouldn’t have selected him in the first place. Given the Gabba’s conditions, which offer  movement and bounce, Akash Deep or Prasidh Krishna would be better-suited options.  I’ve advocated for their inclusion since the first Test, but with India unlikely to change  their balance mid-series, Rana is expected to remain in the side based on his previous  performance. 

I would stick with Ravichandran Ashwin in the XI. While some might argue for bolstering  the batting lineup with someone like Washington Sundar, Ashwin offers valuable  contributions with the bat as well. More importantly, he remains India’s best and most  reliable spinner. Midway through a series, it’s crucial to focus on selecting your  strongest players rather than overthinking balance or batting depth, especially after one  poor performance. Changing the core team composition at this stage is unnecessary,  and sticking with Ashwin is the right call. 

I would stick with Rohit Sharma at number six. His leadership has been solid, but at  times he seemed a bit subdued in his demeanor. Moving forward, it’s crucial for him to  project a more aggressive mindset as skipper. Batting at number six also works in his  favor, given his recent struggles with deliveries on the stump line. With someone like  Mitchell Starc likely to exploit that weakness with his ability to bring the ball back in,  batting lower down the order could provide Rohit with a more comfortable position to  regain his form and confidence.

I am also quite excited to watch how Virat Kohli reacts after failures in the 2nd Test. He is  one of those players who is so highly regarded that after a couple of lean performances,  people start calling for his return to form. But let’s not forget, he scored a century just  two Tests ago. Remember that Kohli does not have a century at the Gabba, it will likely  be the biggest motivation for him to prove himself. 

I have no doubt about the class of players like Kohli, Smith, and Labuschagne. It’s only  a matter of time before they deliver big performances. So, expect Kohli to make a  significant contribution in the upcoming match. 

Australia will have to watch out for Bumrah again, especially their top order. My  approach with Bumrah would be more conventional: focus on surviving his spell,  ducking, diving, and leaving as much as possible to weather the storm. Whether it’s a  five-over spell or a bit longer, the key is to navigate through it. 

If Bumrah stays fit, he could be crucial for India’s chances in this Test series. However, if  he’s sidelined, it would undoubtedly hinder India’s prospects.  

The Gabba, often hailed as Australia’s fortress, holds a storied legacy of dominance, but  it was famously breached by India in 2021 in a historic triumph that remains etched in  cricketing folklore. Known for its pace, bounce, and movement, the Gabba offers a stern  test for both batsmen and bowlers, making it a cauldron for thrilling battles and decisive  moments. 

This Test series promises to be a topsy-turvy contest, with both teams evenly matched  and capable of seizing momentum. Australia will be eager to defend their stronghold  and reassert their dominance, while India, buoyed by their recent successes, will look to  script another chapter of resilience and excellence. With the series poised on a knife’s  edge, this encounter at the Gabba could very well be the turning point. 

All eyes will be on cricket’s big names—Kohli, Smith, Labuschagne, and Rohit—each a  match-winner in their own right. Kohli, with his hunger for runs, will look to deliver under  pressure, while Smith and Labuschagne will aim to anchor Australia’s batting against a  

potent Indian attack. For India, Rohit’s leadership and his ability to counter-attack will be  pivotal, especially against the likes of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins on a track tailor made for bowlers.