After meeting the Australia of their dreams in Perth, India met Australia of their expectations in Adelaide as they suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat. India were on cloud nine after a 295-run win in the first Test but they were soon pulled back on the ground. With the series tied at 1-1, the third Test becomes vital and Australia can't be happier that the match is scheduled at Gabba, Brisbane, the Australian fortress.

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India defeated Australia at Gabba on the last tour so they'll walk into the park with some confidence, however, the latest pitch report isn't great for the visitors. According to the Gabba curator David Sandurski, the pitch during the Brisbane Test will be lively, much more than India's previous game at the venue. Before the defeat to India in 2021-21, Australia had not lost a match in Brisbane since 1988, however, the defeat to India broke the myth that Australians are unbeatable at Gabba. Earlier this year, Australia were also shocked by West Indies at the same venue. However, both defeats came when the matches were played in mid-January, when the pitches were far from the traditional Gabba wickets.

The Gabba curator confirmed that the timing of the Test does matter how the wicket behaves. He believes the pitches in Tests played before the Chrismas are fresher and more lively. Australia have lost three of the five Tests played at the Gabba after Christmas in their history, as opposed to only seven of 61 earlier in the summer.

“Different times of year definitely makes it different, it can be a slightly different pitch,” Sandurski said ahead of Saturday’s third Test start as quoted by the West Australian.

“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,” he added.

During the Shield game between Victoria and Queensland, 15 wickets fell on the opening day of the Pink-Ball game before runs came when batters dug in later in the game, and David is planning to create a wicket similar to it.

“The aim is to be similar to that wicket where there was a good balance between bat and ball,” Sandurski said. Hopefully there is a bit in it for everyone,” he added.

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