Delhi: Australia considers Gabba ground as its strongest fortification in Test cricket. Opposing teams often have to face difficulties on this ground. But, his dominance in Gabba also has a disadvantage. In the 21st century, whenever the Gabba Test has been drawn or Australia has lost, they have never won that series.
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This has happened six times in 24 years
This has happened six times in the last 24 years, out of which India has become their challenge twice. In 2003, Sourav Ganguly’s memorable inning of 144 runs drew the match in Brisbane. In 2021, brilliant innings from Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill led India to its first win at the Gabba.
Match drawn due to rain
This time too, India avoided defeat at Gabba and kept the series tied at 1-1. Rain also helped India and now the team is looking towards the Melbourne Test. Looking at the past record, Australia needs to be cautious now as the Melbourne and Sydney Tests are still pending.
Australia is in danger of a hat-trick of defeats
In 2018-19, under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India won the Test series in Australia for the first time. Then in 2020-21, India won the series even in the absence of Kohli. Now Australia is in danger of losing its third consecutive home Test series.
Pat Cummins’s team was under pressure after losing by 295 runs in the Perth Test. However, in the day-night test, Mitchell Starc and Travis Head performed well and leveled the series 1-1. Australia had hopes of victory till the last session of the fourth day at Gabba. But, with the help of Akashdeep and Jasprit Bumrah, India postponed the follow-on. On the last day, the match had to be declared a draw.
Now the Melbourne Test is a week away and Australia has enough time to prepare. Josh Hazlewood’s exclusion is a big blow, but Scott Boland, who is known for his brilliant bowling at the MCG, is a good option.
The fourth match of the series will be played in Melbourne from 26 December.