India will look to seal a series victory over Australia in the 3rd Test at Indore, having already retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy in Delhi to lead 2-0 in the series.
Things keep going from bad to worse for the Australian side, losing David Warner for the remainder of the series after suffering a hairline fracture in his elbow, with captain Pat Cummins also flying home to be with his ill mother who is in palliative care.
Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc have both declared themselves fit to play in this Test with both expected to be named in the final 11. Green will be a big help to the Australian middle order whilst also bowling some handy overs, likely taking the spot of Matt Renshaw.
Leaked pictures have shown the Indore pitch to have a greenish top which will suit the Australian side more than the crack-filled pitches previously dished up in the first two tests.
Although up 2-0 in the series, India may replace struggling opener KL Rahul with young superstar Shubman Gill. This would be an interesting selection as Rahul is currently the vice-captain for the Indian side.
Travis Head is expected to open for the Australian side in the absence of Warner. He looked comfortable at the top of the order in the 2nd innings in Delhi, expect him to play his natural attacking game regardless of his position.
India will come into this match as clear favourites with a win confirming their spot in the Test Championship Final at Lords against Australia.
Steve Smith will captain the Australian side once again in Cummins absence.
Predicted sides:
Australia – Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (C), Peter Handscomb, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (VC), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Matt Kuhnemann
India – Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohlo, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja (VC), KS Bharat, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
IND vs AUS 3rd Test: Match Details
Date – Wednesday, March 01, 2023
Time – 3:00pm AEDT
Venue – Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, India
How to watch: Foxtel – Kayo
