IND vs AUS: 3rd Test Preview – India close in on WTC final spot
The two fierce rivals, India and Australia, are set to square off for the third of the four-match Test series from March 1. As the action shifts from Delhi to Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, the Aussies will be on the lookout to break their lean patch and obtain a result in their favour.
On the other hand, team India, led by Rohit Sharma, have retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as they have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The utter domination must have undoubtedly hurt the Aussies and they would be looking to bounce back, specifically after having conceded both games inside three days of play. Prior to the first two games, Pat Cummins and Co. relished a fine run with back-to-back wins, coming against West Indies and South Africa. However, their purple patch in the Test format came to a screeching halt against India.
Adding to this, the two sides are on the lookout to cement a berth in the finals of the ICC World Test Championship. The third red-ball clash will play a vital role for both teams as India are just one win shy of securing their place in the global ICC event. With Pat Cummins absent, Steve Smith will take the responsibility of leading the team and the side will be put to real Test in the penultimate clash in Indore.
Pitch and conditions
The wicket at the Holkar Cricket Stadium is usually batting friendly in the short format, but like most venues in the nation, the surface provides assistance to spin bowlers as the match progresses. While batters could be handed some momentum early on in the match, the bowlers will start posing a threat later on. The venue hasn’t hosted an international Test match since 2019.
Venue details: Holkar Stadium, Indore
Last Test match at the venue: BAN: 150 & 213 | IND: 493/6d | Result: India won by an innings and 130 runs
Here’s the probable playing XI for India vs Australia clash:
India:
Ravindra Jadeja has been in exceptional form upon his return. His noteworthy performances coupled with Ravichandran Ashwin’s impressive outings with the ball have helped India dominate the Aussies. Meanwhile, KL Rahul’s dismal run with the bat could possibly help Shubman Gill find a place in the playing XI in the forthcoming clash. However, it remains to be seen if coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma would take that route.
Australia:
David Warner has been ruled out of the series owing to a fracture that he endured in the previous game while batting. Adding to their woes, Pat Cummins will not feature in the team owing to personal reasons. Lance Morris could be handed his debut and it remains to be seen how many spinners and pacers will the side opt for the crucial tie.
