Indian Cricket Team under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma are currently getting ready for the third Test match in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 starting at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 14. India won the first Test of the series at the Optus Stadium in Perth by 295 runs but lost by 10 wickets in the Pink ball Test at the Adelaide Oval. Now, they are set to for Gabba which is one of the toughest place for a visting team.
Australia did not lose a Test match between 1988 and 2021 at the Gabba until a young Indian team beat them in BGT 2020-21 to take the series. However, this will be an early summer wicket and hence, the Australians will relish playing on the surface. Images ahead of the Test displayed that the pitch has an extensive layer of grass and hence it will be a good pitch for the pacers to bowl.
What did Shubman Gill say?
Shubman Gill (Image Credits: Twitter)
In the pre-match press conference, Shubman Gill explained that the players are not tensed after the loss in Adelaide. He reminded everyone about India’s victory in Brisbane, the last time around. He also stated that the young players are fearless and ready to take on the bowlers.
“You’ll be only afraid if you have not won. We have won here last time and even in India. This generation doesn’t think about who’s bowling and just looks at the ball” said Gill during India’s pre-match conference.
Gill mentioned that the conditions were challenging, but he noted that batting becomes a bit easier between the 35th over and the introduction of the second new ball. However, he also pointed out that, given Australia’s history with fast bowlers and the characteristics of the fast, lively pitches there, one needs to remain mentally focused throughout the innings.
“The conditions are challenging, but between the 35th over and the second new ball, batting becomes a bit easier. However, given Australia’s history with fast bowlers and the fast, lively pitches here, you need to stay mentally focused throughout your innings” Gill also said.
India will need to bat well in the third Test after the failures in the first two Test. Gill will need to convert his starts into a substantial score and repeat the Gabba heroics from the last tour if India has to get a 2-1 lead in the series.
