Sat Dec 14 01:42:35 UTC 2024: ## India Rings in Changes for Gabba Test, Opting to Bowl First

**Brisbane, Australia:** India sprung a surprise on Australia in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba, opting to bowl first after winning the toss despite overcast conditions. The decision marks a significant change in strategy from the previous matches and includes notable alterations to the playing XI.

Ravindra Jadeja and Akash Deep were brought into the side, replacing Ravichandran Ashwin and Harshit Rana respectively. This move sees India revert to their favoured overseas formula of a single spin-bowling all-rounder, Jadeja, leaving the highly-experienced Ashwin on the bench. Rana, impressive on debut but subsequently struggling, also makes way for Akash Deep.

The changes have drawn criticism from experts. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar expressed surprise at India’s initial reluctance to utilize Jadeja and questioned the team’s earlier reliance on off-spin. Former keeper-batter Deep Dasgupta highlighted the team’s instability, pointing to the use of three different spinners across the three Tests.

Captain Rohit Sharma justified the bowling first decision citing the overcast conditions and a seemingly soft pitch, believing it offered the best chance to exploit the conditions. Historically, the team batting second has a strong advantage at the Gabba, with teams bowling first winning five out of six Tests since 2018.

India will be hoping to repeat their historic win at the Gabba three years ago, when they achieved a remarkable run chase. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter with both teams displaying strong form in the previous encounters.

**Playing XIs:**

**Australia:** 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:** 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

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