What changes have Team India made for Gabba Test?

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bowl during the third Test match in Brisbane on Saturday. The visitors made two changes to their side after the loss in the second Test match in Adelaide. Fast bowler Harshit Rana and veteran spinner R. Ashwin were rested for the third Test match. 

In their place, Akash Deep and Ravindra Jadeja were included in the playing XI for the match. Both players had last featured in the series against New Zealand at home and weren’t picked for the opening two games. Harshit Rana had a game to forget with the ball as he didn’t pick any wicket in Adelaide. 

The move to add Jadeja to the XI indicates that India wants to bat deep. Jadeja has been one of the most consistent batters in the last 5 years for India in the Test format. His ability to score important runs away from home makes him a huge part of the side. Meanwhile, this is the first overseas Test for Akash Deep after impressive performances at home. 

Huge toss won by India in Brisbane

Overcast conditions welcomed both sides as they walked out for the toss on Saturday morning. Rohit Sharma was delighted to call the toss right and elect to bowl first. With pace and bounce expected on the pitch, Indian bowlers will be eager to grab early wickets. Some of the Australian batters aren’t in top form which could work in India’s favor. 

Speaking at the toss, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said “We're going to bowl first. Little bit overcast and little bit of grass, looks a bit soft as well, want to make best use of the conditions. Lot of cricket to be played, both teams have played good cricket in the last two games”

The 37-year-old also added “Big game for us here, we'll do what is expected of us. We'll play good cricket, we understand we have to capture some moments, we didn't do that in the previous game which is why we lost. It's absolutely buzzing, the guys are looking forward to the match, we're looking forward to coming out here and playing. Looks a little soft at this point in time, conditions bit overcast as well, it will get better to bat as it goes on. We've made two changes, Jadeja and Akash back in place of Ashwin and Harshit”

Australian skipper Pat Cummins said “We would've bowled first too. Been a fantastic series so far. Really happy with last week, just about everyone got into the series, been a good lead-up. Preperations have been pretty good. Early finish in Adelaide allowed us to come up here early and get settled. Just one change, Scott Boland is out for Hazlewood”

Australia XI - Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

India XI - Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep