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New Delhi. The third test match between India and Australia has started in Brisbane. Indian captain Rohit Sharma has decided to bowl first after winning the toss. The weather and pitch conditions have been taken into account in this decision. Rohit said that the sky is cloudy and there is grass on the pitch, which is likely to help the fast bowlers. However, this decision can prove to be risky for Team India and can put India in trouble.
Gabba: Australia’s impregnable fortress
Brisbane’s Gabba ground is considered a strong stronghold for Australia. It is not easy for any team to play on this ground. However, last time India had created history by winning on the same ground during the 2020-21 tour. This time also Team India will try to repeat the same success. But Rohit’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss can create problems for the team.
What does history say?
The Gabba pitch has bounce and fast pace, which can be challenging for the batsmen. This is the reason why most captains prefer to bat first after winning the toss on this ground. Since 2000, captains have won the toss and elected to bowl eight times at the Gabba, but only twice have teams won. Looking at these figures, it is clear that this decision of Rohit is risky and can increase pressure for the Indian team.
If Team India loses this match, then the dream of reaching the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) may be shattered. This match is extremely important for India, and a wrong decision can be costly for the team.
role of weather
Rohit Sharma has decided to bowl keeping the weather in mind. There is a possibility of rain for four days in Brisbane. Only five overs could be played in the first session of the first day, after which the match had to be stopped due to rain. In this situation, Rohit felt that fast bowlers could take advantage of the pitch. But after the rain stops, the Gabba pitch may become easier for the batsmen.
A look at the statistics
Since 2000, in the matches played at Gabba ground, it has been decided to bat first after winning the toss 16 times. Out of these, the team has won six times, while it has faced defeat eight times. Captains often prefer to bat first to avoid the pressure of batting in the fourth innings.
It is clear from these figures that the performance of the first innings at Gabba can decide the course of the match. If India’s bowling is not good, Australia’s batsmen can score big. In such a situation, it may be difficult to chase runs in the fourth innings.
Effect of Rohit’s decision
This decision of Rohit Sharma completely depends on the circumstances. If the fast bowlers are successful in taking wickets in the beginning, then this decision may prove to be correct. But if the Australian team makes a big score in the first innings, then it will be difficult for Team India to win the match.
This decision of Rohit is a gamble in a way. Both the Gabba pitch and the weather are full of uncertainty. Team India will have to bowl aggressively and accurately with this decision.