India dominated the first Test, winning by 295 runs in Perth, but Australia bounced back to secure a decisive 10-wicket victory in the second day-night Test in Adelaide.
On paper, Australia hold the advantage going into the third Test, given their impressive record at Brisbane’s Gabba, often dubbed “The Fortress” by Australian fans. Since 1988, they have lost only twice and drawn seven of their last 35 Test matches there, winning 26.
India have played seven Tests at the Gabba from 1947 to 2021, achieving one win and one draw. Notably, in their last encounter at the venue in January 2021, India triumphed by three wickets, ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at this Brisbane stadium.
India’s captain Rohit Sharma, who returned to the team after paternity leave following the birth of his son on November 15, practiced facing the new ball in the nets on Thursday. He batted at No. 6 in Adelaide, scoring just 3 and 6 in a heavy defeat, and has surpassed 20 runs only twice in his last 12 Test innings.
Meanwhile, seamer Jasprit Bumrah managed 30 minutes of bowling after recovering from a minor groin injury sustained in Adelaide. He completed a full workout on Thursday and is pivotal to India’s cause having taken 12 wickets in the series at an impressive average of 11.25, dismissing Nathan McSweeney three times and Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja twice each.
