INDvsAUS: After a rain-affected opening day, the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia saw the hosts take control on Day 2 at The Gabba. Australia ended the day at 405 for 7, thanks to remarkable centuries from Steven Smith and Travis Head, who put together a formidable partnership of 241 runs. With India needing to bounce back, here are three things Team India needs to do to win the match.
1. Pick Australia’s Remaining Wickets Quickly
As Day 3 approaches, India must focus on quickly wrapping up Australia’s innings. At stumps on Day 2, Australia was sitting comfortably at 405 for 7, with Mitchell Starc and Alex Carey set to resume their innings. Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s standout bowler, claiming five wickets, but he will require support from his fellow bowlers, particularly Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, to dismiss the remaining Australian batsmen swiftly.
The Indian bowlers need to capitalize on any early movement and maintain tight lines and lengths to restrict runs while targeting quick dismissals. Allowing Australia to extend their total beyond 500 runs could put immense pressure on India’s batting lineup. A strong start from Bumrah and his colleagues will be crucial; they need to exploit any weaknesses in the Australian lower order.
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Mitchell Starc is a capable batsman who can be dangerous if allowed to settle in. Therefore, it’s vital for Bumrah and Siraj to attack him early, aiming for quick wickets. If India can remove Starc and Carey early in the innings, it will significantly enhance their chances of regaining momentum in the match. This approach not only minimizes Australia’s total but also boosts the confidence of the Indian bowlers.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul Must Set a Strong Foundation
The responsibility now falls on openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul to provide a solid start for India in their innings. A strong opening partnership is crucial for setting the tone for the rest of the batting order. In previous matches, particularly during the Perth Test, Jaiswal and Rahul demonstrated their capability by putting together a substantial opening stand of 201 runs.
Given that India is chasing a hefty target after Australia’s impressive first innings, it is essential for Jaiswal and Rahul to build a foundation that can withstand pressure from Australia’s potent bowling attack. The middle order has shown signs of vulnerability lately, particularly with players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma struggling for form. Therefore, a solid start from the openers will not only stabilize the innings but also allow the middle order to play with more freedom.
Both Jaiswal and Rahul need to be patient and selective with their shots. They must focus on rotating the strike while capitalizing on any loose deliveries from the Australian bowlers. If they can establish a strong partnership early on, it will not only relieve pressure but also set a positive tone for those coming in later.
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Moreover, with weather predictions indicating possible rain interruptions, it becomes even more critical for Jaiswal and Rahul to provide a solid start. If rain does come into play, it could favor bowlers; hence, building a substantial score before any interruptions would be advantageous.
3. Force Australia to Bowl More Spin
Australia’s pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood have consistently troubled Indian batsmen with their aggressive bowling. To counter this threat, India’s batters need to focus on wearing down these fast bowlers and forcing Australia into using more spin options like Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Marsh.
By building partnerships and rotating the strike effectively against the pace attack, Indian batsmen can tire them out, leading to potential breakthroughs against Lyon and Marsh later in the innings. This strategy not only alleviates pressure but also allows India’s batsmen to capitalize on any weaknesses in Australia’s spin bowling.
The Indian batters must aim to be proactive against Lyon when he comes into play; they should look to score runs off him rather than just defending. This approach can unsettle Lyon and force Australia’s hand in bringing back their pace attack sooner than they might prefer.
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Conclusion
As India heads into Day 3 of this critical Test match, they face an uphill battle against a dominant Australian side. To claw their way back into contention, they must act decisively by picking up Australia’s remaining wickets quickly, establishing a strong opening partnership through Jaiswal and Rahul, and forcing Australia to rely more on their spin options.
The outcome of this match could significantly impact the series as both teams are currently tied at one win each in this tightly contested Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With clear strategies in place, Team India has the opportunity to turn the tide in their favor if they execute their plans effectively on Day 3.
In summary, it is imperative for Team India not only to focus on individual performances but also work cohesively as a unit to achieve success. The combination of quick wickets, solid opening partnerships, and strategic batting against spinners will be crucial as they aim for victory at The Gabba. With determination and skillful execution of these strategies, India can mount a formidable challenge against Australia in this pivotal Test match.
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