Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Gabba Curator’s Warning, Challenges Await India Ahead of Third Test Against Australia

The Gabba’s renowned pace and bounce await India and Australia in the third Test of their high-stakes series, starting Saturday. With the series locked at 1-1, the pitch is expected to pose a significant challenge for batsmen, particularly early in the summer when surfaces are fresher and more dynamic. Gabba curator David Sandurski confirmed the intent to prepare a traditional Gabba wicket that provides good carry and pace.

India’s last outing at the Gabba in 2021 was historic, as Rishabh Pant’s heroics helped secure a dramatic win, ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue. However, this year’s early-season conditions might tilt the balance back in favor of the hosts, who have often thrived on Gabba’s fast-paced pitches.

About the pitch, David Sandurski stated in a recent interview:

Different times of year definitely make it different, it can be a slightly different pitch. Pitches later in the season might have a bit more wear and tear while ones early in the season usually are a bit fresher and might have a bit more in them. Generally speaking, we still prepare the pitch the exact same way every time to try and get the same good carry, pace, and bounce that the Gabba is known for. We are just trying to make a traditional Gabba wicket like we do each year.

After a comprehensive win in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, Australia is eager to leverage the Gabba’s strengths. Meanwhile, India, having dominated the first Test in Perth, must adapt quickly to the challenging conditions to keep their campaign on track.