Historically, India has favored playing spinners abroad, even in conditions where fast bowlers have a more significant impact. The Indian team’s thinking often hinges on the belief that spinners can be more effective on surfaces that deteriorate quickly, especially in the latter stages of a Test match. This mindset was seen in places like England and Australia, where pitches traditionally have been known to offer assistance to pace bowlers rather than spinners.
Why India Should Play With 4 Pacers?
The Gabba pitch has a history of being one of the toughest for batters in Australia. The surface is known to offer bounce and pace, especially early in the game. For years, the Brisbane Test has been a graveyard for spinners, with fast bowlers reaping the rewards on the first few days. Even though the pitch breaks up as the game progresses, early on, it is tailored for seam and swing.
If India Wants To Play A Spinner Who Should Be The One?
India has always been inclined towards spin even in overseas conditions, but seeing the current situation of India’s run in Australia and the pitch conditions India should ideally play with four fast bowling options but incase India wants to still go for spin, the one spin option is Ravindra Jadeja. India needs a pure all-rounder and Jadeja stands out as a perfect option. Even if Jadeja’s spin doesn’t leave an impact he brings his exceptional fielding and batting skills to the table which is very much required for India.
Does India Lack All-Rounders?
If we see India’s top order, it purely consists of pure batters. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul all these play as pure batters hence India’s all-round options are limited. There are just four all-rounders in India’s squad. But on the Australian side, Travis Head, Mitchelll Marsh, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Marnus Labuschagne form the most lethal all-round lineup in playing XI.
Rana, Akashdeep, Bumrah & Siraj – India’s Lethal Pace Attack
India must play Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep in the Brisbane Test for that pace-heavy attack that allows them to get the most of the conditions. The Gabba pitch, famous for its briskness, bounce, and seam movement, is tailor-made for fast bowlers, and India will have the best chance of success while using their pacers as much as possible to strangle Australia’s top-order batter.
Bumrah, with his ability to swing the ball and generate bounce, and Siraj, with his aggressive lines and relentless pace, form the backbone of the attack. Rana, though underwhelming in Adelaide, brings pace and bounce to the table, and with the right backing, he can thrive in these conditions.
Akash Deep, who has impressed in the few chances he got with his pace and swing, would add much-needed depth to India’s pace arsenal. With these four pacers, a balanced and potent bowling unit is in the offing, which would give a stern test to the Australian batters with the Gabba track expected to produce movement and bounce.
India’s Record In Brisbane
India has played just three Test matches in Brisbane, winning one and losing one, with the remaining match ending in a draw. Similarly, Australia has also won one Test at the Gabba, with one defeat and one draw in their encounters with India.
India will be playing the 3rd Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground starting from December 14.
