Matthew Hayden Shares Insights On How India’s Pacers Can Be More Effective In Brisbane Ahead Of 3rd Test

December 12, 2024: Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has provided key advice for India’s pace attack ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in Brisbane, where India will look to bounce back after their lackluster performance in Adelaide. Hayden, who knows a thing or two about Australian conditions, has emphasized the importance of targeting the fourth and fifth stump line, particularly in Brisbane’s challenging conditions.

Hayden stressed that India’s pacers need to focus on targeting the fourth and fifth stump line, a strategy that is crucial on Australian pitches, particularly at Brisbane’s Gabba ground. The line will help bowlers maintain pressure on Australian batters without over-pitching or being too wide. This line, just outside the off-stump, encourages the batsman to play or leave the ball, increasing the chances of inducing an edge or forcing a mistake.

The Gabba pitch is known for its bounce, which can be a key weapon for fast bowlers. Hayden pointed out that India’s pacers need to harness this natural bounce by keeping the ball in the right areas. The red ball in Brisbane, while not as lively as the pink ball used in Adelaide, still provides the fast bowlers with enough help if they bowl with discipline and patience.

Hayden highlighted the contrast between the two teams’ pacers in Adelaide, where Australia’s pace attack, led by Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Scott Boland, dominated with the old pink ball, taking 14 wickets while conceding just 159 runs. On the other hand, India’s pacers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Harshit Rana, struggled to extract the same level of penetration. India only managed four wickets with the old ball, conceding runs at a high rate of 4.27 per over. The aging pink ball was a key factor in Adelaide, with the Australian pacers thriving as it softened, while India’s bowlers couldn’t extract the same movement or control. This difference in effectiveness with the older ball was a significant factor in Australia’s dominant performance in that Test.

As the action shifts to Brisbane, Hayden noted that India’s pacers must learn from their mistakes and step up. Brisbane is seen as an Australian fortress, but with the right approach—especially in targeting the fourth and fifth stump line—India’s bowlers can challenge the Australian batters effectively. Hayden’s advice is crucial as India’s pace attack, led by Bumrah and Siraj, will need to be at its sharpest to take on Australia’s formidable top order.

Beyond the batting struggles India faced in Adelaide, the key difference was the ability of the Australian pacers to strike with the older pink ball, something India struggled with. Travis Head’s explosive 140-run knock in the first innings of Adelaide took the game away from India, and with David Warner, Usman Khawaja, and Marnus Labuschagne in form, Australia will again pose a serious challenge at the Gabba.

The Gabba is widely regarded as Australia’s stronghold, and it has historically been a tough venue for visiting teams. However, India will be buoyed by their historic series win in Australia in 2020-21 and will be looking to turn their performance around. With Bumrah, Siraj, and other pacers like Mohammad Shami (if fit), India’s attack has the potential to challenge Australia’s top order, but they will need to focus on executing the basics well, particularly with the right line and length.

The advice from Hayden highlights the importance of adapting to local conditions, targeting specific areas, and ensuring that India’s pacers bowl with discipline and precision, especially as the game progresses and the ball starts to age. If they can master these aspects, India will have a fighting chance in Brisbane, even against an Australia side that is always strong at home.