Border Gavaskar Trophy: Check Gabba weather forecast for Australia vs India 3rd Test

The iconic Gabba in Brisbane is set to host the third Test between Australia and India, starting on December 14. With the Australia vs India Test series currently level at 1-1, this match takes on enormous significance, as the winner will gain a crucial lead ahead of the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Both teams have displayed flashes of brilliance in the series so far, but consistency has eluded them, making this encounter a pivotal clash. The stakes are further elevated by the race to secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Both Australia and India are firmly in contention, but a loss in Brisbane could deliver a significant blow to their aspirations. The WTC points table is tightly contested, and every match result could alter the standings, leaving little room for error. For either side, a defeat may not only jeopardize their chances but could even rule them out of the finale altogether, depending on other results.

Adding to the intrigue is the Gabba’s reputation as a fortress for Australia, though India famously broke that streak in 2021. Both teams will be eager to put in a commanding performance, with strategies tailored to the venue’s conditions, known for its pace and bounce. As the cricketing world watches with bated breath, this match promises to be a high-stakes affair, potentially shaping the destiny of both teams in the ongoing series and their journey in the World Test Championship.

What does the Gabba weather has in store for the Border Gavaskar Trophy 3rd Test?

Rain is forecast to play a significant role in the India vs Australia Gabba Test, with interruptions expected across all five days. Reports suggest the match could be a start-stop affair, compelling both teams to factor in the weather conditions while finalizing their playing XI. While no heavy downpours or thunderstorms are anticipated to wash out an entire day, persistent cloud cover and intermittent showers are likely to keep the bowlers interested throughout the game.

The overcast conditions will heavily favor the pace bowlers, making the Gabba's already pace-friendly pitch even more challenging for batters. Teams might lean towards selecting additional seamers or all-rounders who can exploit the conditions effectively, aiming to capitalize on any swing or movement on offer. Such a scenario could significantly influence strategies, with captains and coaches likely to weigh the balance between a strong batting lineup and a robust pace attack. Players who can adapt to shifting conditions and seize opportunities in shortened sessions will hold the key to success. Despite the rain threat, cricket fans can still expect an intriguing contest as both sides battle for supremacy, knowing the stakes are high in the context of the series and the World Test Championship race.

The pitch curators at the Gabba are preparing a fresh green deck for the IND vs AUS third Test, designed to offer plenty of pace and carry. With the Australian summer just beginning, the surface is still relatively new, having hosted only a couple of Shield matches and a few Women’s Big Bash League games so far. The curators expect the pitch to play at its best, providing conditions that will favor fast bowlers, particularly with the overcast weather and potential rain delays. The greenish tinge on the surface suggests that the seamers will enjoy significant assistance, with the ball expected to move off the pitch and carry through to the keeper. This will test the batsmen, especially those unfamiliar with such conditions. While the pitch is expected to offer bounce and movement, it’s also likely to change over the course of the five days, potentially becoming more favorable to the batters as the match progresses.

Australia will start as favorites in the third Test against India of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, especially after their dominant 10-wicket victory in the second Test at Adelaide. However, the Pat Cummins-led side hasn’t beaten India in a red-ball Test at home since January 2021, having played three matches and lost two, including the iconic defeat at the Gabba nearly three years ago. Josh Hazlewood, who is in the final stages of his recovery, remains uncertain for the third Test, with the team management yet to make a decision on his availability. If Hazlewood is unavailable, Scott Boland is likely to continue in the playing XI, having proven his worth in Hazlewood's absence.

On India’s side, there could be a solitary change to the squad. Ravindra Jadeja is the favorite to replace Ravichandran Ashwin, primarily to add balance to the batting order. This change would provide India with an extra all-rounder, strengthening both their batting and bowling options. However, like Australia, the Indian cricket fans may wait until the morning of the Test to know the final India playing XI, taking into account the conditions and any last-minute developments regarding player fitness.