Australia vs India – 3rd Test Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Australia vs India taking place? Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 – 23:30 (UK)
Where is Australia vs India taking place? Sydney Cricket Ground
What is the expected weather for Australia vs India? 21-24c with overcast conditions forecast throughout the five days and a chance of showers on day two and three
What channel is Australia vs India on? The match will be televised live on BT Sport 1 (Sky channel 413)
Where can I stream Australia vs India? The match can be streamed live using the BT Sport app
Where can I get tickets for Australia vs India? Tickets for this match can be purchased here!
LAST MEETING
India beat Australia by 8 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
AUSTRALIA
- Australia were stunned last time out as India beat them by eight wickets after bowling them out for 195 and 200 so despite the one innings in the first Test where they bowled India out for just 36, the hosts have been second best for a good part of the opening two matches.
- They are expected to be able to count upon David Warner after injury so his return at the top of the order is a major boost for them as Joe Burns drops out of the squad in what could be the on the only change to the starting line-up unless they consider further adjustments.
- 22-year-old Will Pucovski could make an eagerly-awaited debut at the top of the order too after overcoming multiple concussions and after two double hundreds in domestic cricket for Victoria, he could be thrust in at the top of the order with Matthew Wade or Travis Head making way for him.
INDIA
- India come off a stunning win in Melbourne as they bounced back from the opening Test defeat and ignominy of being bowled out for 36 and they managed to get the win despite being without inspirational skipper Virat Kohli.
- After losing Mohammed Shami in the first Test, Umesh Yada was the latest to pick up an injury so they are without another first-choice pace bowler so Navdeep Saini is the likely replacement although they have called up Thangarasu Natarajan and Shardul Thakur is also in contention.
- After being forced to isolate after being pictured in a restaurant, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw and Navdeep Saini are all expected to be available for selection and the return of Rohit Sharma is the big boost for them as KL Rahul has been ruled out of the remainder of the series.
THE PREDICTION
This series between arguably the best two nations in Test cricket is wide open right now after India levelled the series in Melbourne last time out. Other than their abysmal second innings in the first Test where they were bowled out for 36, India have arguably been the better of the two teams so far and their bowlers have had the edge over the hosts. That is somewhat surprising given how strong the Australian bowling attack is and India have defied logic with their bowling after losing Shami and Yadav to injury. Bumrah, Ashwin and Siraj who came in last time out have impressed and their depth will be tested once again as they are forced to make more changes due to injury. Australia are boosted by the return of Warner but whether he can hit the ground running remains to be seen. Jasprit Bumrah will relish bowling against him and with Steve Smith out of form, the home side are looking somewhat ordinary right now. It is the Indian batsmen who look more capable of batting for longer spells right now which is strange to say after being bowled out for 36 in one innings. They do however have the edge psychologically right now in all departments. There is little to choose between the two teams and with a draw unlikely unless the showers turn into something heavier, it is the tourists who are marginally favoured to win at the SCG.
