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December 23, 2024
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As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series moves to Brisbane for the crucial third Test, all eyes are on the composition of India’s bowling attack, particularly the choice for the third pacer. With the series level at 1-1, this match at Gabba could be decisive not only for the series but also for the World Test Championship final berth. Here’s a detailed analysis of the potential candidates:
Harshit Rana:
• Pros: Rana brings raw pace to the table, which could be a significant asset on the bouncy Gabba pitch. His ability to generate steep bounce could trouble the Australian batsmen, especially if they’re looking to play aggressively.
• Cons: His recent performances in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide was not up to the mark, raising questions about his consistency in Test cricket. However, his youth and potential could mean he’s a long-term investment.
Mohammad Shami
• Pros: Shami has a proven track record in Australia, including his stellar performance in the 2020-21 series. His experience, swing, and ability to bowl long spells make him an ideal choice for conditions like Brisbane.
• Cons: There’s uncertainty around his fitness. If Shami isn’t fully recovered, playing him could be a risk, especially with the series hanging in the balance.
Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Pros: Suggested as a fresh pace, Reddy could offer a different pace and angle, potentially unsettling the Australian batsmen with his variations.
• Cons: His lack of international experience might be a gamble, particularly in a high-stakes game where experience could be crucial.
Prasidh Krishna
• Pros: His height makes him an ideal candidate for the Gabba, where extracting bounce is key. Krishna has shown promise in domestic cricket with his pace and bounce
• Cons: Similar to Reddy,, his limited international exposure might be a concern. However, his recent performances in domestic circuits have been impressive.
The choice of the third pacer seems to hinge on several factors:
• Fitness and Form: If Mohammad Shami is fit, his experience and record in Australia make him the automatic choice. His control over line and length, combined with the ability to move the ball, would complement Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj well.
• Match Conditions: The Gabba is known for its pace and bounce. Here, a bowler like Harshit Rana, who can bowl quickly, might be more effective than someone with less pace but more swing, especially in the first innings when the pitch could offer more to fast bowlers.
• Team Strategy: There’s a debate on whether to go with proven experience or to back emerging talent. If the team management looks to the future, giving Rana or Krishna a chance could be part of a broader strategy to groom young pacers for international cricket.
• Adaptability: The ability of the bowler to adapt to Australian conditions, particularly the reverse swing later in the game, could sway decisions. Shami and Siraj have shown this capability in the past.
Assuming Shami’s fitness is in question, Harshit Rana seems to be the favored choice for this Test. His pace could exploit the conditions at the Gabba, and despite his recent performances, his potential remains undeniable. However, if Shami is fit, he should walk into the team based on his track record. The final call will depend on the team’s strategic needs, player fitness, and the pitch conditions on match day.