Third Test – India vs. Australia Tips and Previews, 1st March

At the halfway mark of the series, India leads 2-0 on the back of two commanding victories in Nagpur and Delhi. The latest – another capitulation in the Indian capital – Australia were bowled out for 113 in the second innings. Yep, 113. Cruising at 2/85 with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne at the crease, the tourists crumbled and lost their final eight wickets for 28 runs.

The plan to sweep Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin was a categorical error of epic proportions, as the two leading finger spinners combined for all 10 wickets. The Australians simply had no answer for Jadeja (7/42) and Ashwin (3/59) as they missed the straight ones, losing seven of their wickets to bowled or LBW.

On a more positive note, Nathan Lyon returned to form with a five-wicket haul in the first innings before claiming another two before the Indians surpassed the required score in the second. Matt Kuhnemann debuted with his left-arm finger spin alongside both Lyon and Todd Murphy in a three-man spin attack.

Now, the changes. Having already lost the Border Gavaskar Trophy, there will be changes to the Australian side heading into the third Test. David Warner (injury), Pat Cummins (family) and Ashton Agar (domestic cricket) all returned to Australia in between Tests, with none of them available for selection.

Mitchell Starc is expected to lead the Australian pace attack as a direct replacement for Cummins after recovering from a finger injury. Starc’s left-arm pace will be necessary for the Aussies for multiple reasons, including his ability to create rough with his follow-through for Lyon and Murphy. Talented all-rounder, Cameron Green, is also in the mix for a much-needed return as he would provide stability in the middle order while also another pace option on a pitch that isn’t expected to spin as much as Nagpur or Delhi.

Travis Head was deemed a success at the top of the order after replacing Warner in the second innings and scoring a 46-ball 43. Scott Boland will also be considered if the Australians opt for just the two spinners.

The Indians have no such worries as their attention turns to a potential whitewash on home soil. While KL Rahul hasn’t been setting the world alight at the top of the order, the Indian bowlers – particularly their spinners – have made life much easier for their batsmen. There are no real whispers of significant changes as they try to inflict as much damage on the Aussies as possible before the ICC Test Championship.

The Australians have given no reason for market support, and that certainly doesn’t change heading into the third Test.