December 13, 2024: Shubman Gill’s response to Pat Cummins’ comments about using the short-ball strategy ahead of the third Test against Australia adds an interesting dimension to the ongoing series. His remark, questioning the success of the tactic against India’s top-order, is a confident assertion, especially considering India’s strong batting performances in recent matches.
While Cummins mentioned that the short ball had been effective in the Adelaide Test and could be employed again as a Plan B or even Plan A in certain situations, Gill’s counterpoint is sharp and based on facts: the short ball has had limited success against India’s key batters, with only tail-enders having fallen to it. This sets up an intriguing psychological battle as the teams head into Brisbane, with Gill and his teammates clearly not intimidated by the prospect of facing more short-pitched bowling.
India has historically been strong in handling short-pitched deliveries, and this series has seen the top-order—especially players like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli—put up solid performances under pressure. The Indian team’s resilience against this tactic will certainly be something to watch in the upcoming match.
The context of this series makes it all the more exciting. After India’s dominant 295-run victory in Perth, Australia bounced back with a comprehensive 10-wicket win, leveling the series. With the series now tied at 1-1, every Test is crucial, and the third match in Brisbane holds extra significance. India will be buoyed by their historic victory at the Gabba in 2021, when they defied expectations to hand Australia their first defeat at the venue in over three decades.
Gill’s emphasis on posting substantial first-innings scores highlights the strategy that has worked for India in this series so far. With key batters in form and a balanced attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian team will be looking to establish a big total early on, putting pressure on Australia’s bowlers.
It’s also refreshing to see Gill take a moment to congratulate Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh, highlighting the camaraderie between sports and the pride that Indian athletes feel in each other’s successes. Gukesh’s win as the youngest-ever World Chess Champion is indeed a historic achievement, and Gill’s acknowledgment adds to the positive spirit around Indian sports.
In terms of the upcoming Test, India’s confidence going into Brisbane, coupled with their excellent record at the venue, could give them an edge. If they can build on their strong batting performances, backed by disciplined bowling, they’ll be well-positioned to seize the upper hand in the series. But Australia, with their fiery pace attack and an unpredictable batting lineup, will not go down easily.
The battle of strategies—whether Australia will persist with the short-ball tactic, and how India will counter it—along with the stakes of the series, makes for a thrilling contest in Brisbane.
What do you think? Will India be able to continue their momentum in Brisbane, or will Australia’s aggressive approach turn the series in their favor?
