With the third Test set to start on December 14 at The Gabba in Brisbane, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India is tied at one. Images of the pitch are making the rounds online ahead of the upcoming match, and the surface promises the bowler bounce and pace while the hitters will struggle.
Pace and bounce were noticeable for nearly two days before the pitch became favourable for the hitters, which is what happened in the first Test match in Perth.
A conventional Gabba wicket is imminent, according to Gabba curator David Sandurski.
He also mentioned that even if the weather contributes to the pitch’s degradation, the procedure to keep the deck active is still followed.
“It certainly changes with the seasons; the pitch may be a little different. In contrast to early-season pitches, which are often a little fresher and may contain a little more in them, later-season pitches may have a little more wear and tear, David Sandurski stated, as reported by cricket.com.au.
In order to get the good carry, pace, and bounce for which the Gabba is renowned, we typically still prepare the ground in the same manner each time. We are merely attempting to create a classic Gabba pitch, as we do every year,” he continued.
Here’s the image of pitch:
The Gabba pitch has been finally uncovered after a full day of rain, and a few days out from day one of the third test between @BCCI and @CricketAus – it’s a mighty green one! Sun coming out in the coming days will be much needed @10NewsFirstQLD @10SportAU pic.twitter.com/OPbsrNuONA
— Josh Mclean (@McJoshmclean) December 11, 2024
Josh Hazlewood, a pacer, strained his hamstring, therefore Scott Boland was called up for the second Test match in Adelaide. The pace will probably be in the starting lineup after being spotted rehearsing with the Australian squad prior to the third Test.
Australia’s updated squad (for second Test):
Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.