Australia vs India. 3rd Test. Brisbane. 2024/25. Preview.

What can we expect at the Gabba over the next few days? Will it last more than three days? Which Australia and which India shows up?

The pink ball Test could not have come at a better time for Australia. They play more day/night Tests than any other team, and they've only lost one of them. They looked underdone in Perth but the change in format helped the home team. The pink ball is Starc's superpower, and he proved it again. But Australia won the game in the twilight session of day one, when McSweeney and Labuschagne refused to budge, and helped set up the home team's batting for day two, where Head took all before him.
Neither side is where it wants to be. Jaiswal and Kohli were superb in the second innings in Perth but have three low scores apart from that. Shubman Gill showed glimpses in Adelaide. Pant looks like he's counting. Rahul and Rohit have been terrific players who may or may not rediscover their best. Jasprit Bumrah is a magnificent bowler, and Siraj a useful lieutenant. They've tried both Sundar and Ashwin as their spinner for little success. Perhaps Jadeja gets a chance in Brisbane.

 
Australia has the same problems. Head is the talisman, but if he falls who is taking up the slack? Khawaja is looking his age, and McSweeney is still finding his way. Labuschagne and Smith have been the engine room for five years, but the engine is beginning to falter. There is no longer the confidence that no matter what the situation those two will rescue the team. Marsh and Carey promise much but deliver significantly less. The same four bowlers who have served Australia for the best part of seven years continue to be the ones charged with the duty of finding 20 wickets.

Who is under pressure? Everyone! Someone will leave the Gabba 2-1 up and in the box seat to win the series. And although the focus will be on individuals such as Smith, Kohli, Rohit and Labuschagne, it will still be the best team that comes away with victory. The one that puts together the consistent partnerships, with bat and ball. The one that shows patience, the one that fights to the end.

I don't know what is going to happen. I hope McSweeney builds on the promise he showed in Adelaide. I hope the bowling cartel attacks the stumps. I hope to see Steve Smith build on how good he has looked with the bat this season and gets the score that kickstarts his summer.

For Australia, this Test is everything. Lose, and they will likely lose a series to India at home for the third successive time. The elder brigade will come under even tougher scrutiny, and answers will have to be found. Win, and they keep those questions at bay for another week or so.

Across the ditch, England are building a team that is powerful, young and has a self-centred sense of belief in their ability. They believe they can take the Ashes next summer. Australia isn't even sure how many of its current 12 players will still be around next summer. A loss here will hasten that change. A win may not even prevent it.