India vs Australia 2023
IND vs AUS: Australia’s Predicted Playing XI for 3rd Test
India have already retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as they are leading the series by 2-0.
Many cricket fans expected a better performance from the Australian team in the ongoing four-match Test series against India but that couldn’t happen as the Kangaroos were brutally defeated by the Indian team in the first two Test matches.
Australia also suffered some huge blows as some players left the series midway due to injuries and other personal problems. The Australian team will look to make some major changes in the team considering their performance in the first two Tests.
Here we will take a look at Australia’s predicted playing XI for the third Test which will be played on March 1 in Indore.
Top Order:
Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head (Source – Twitter)
One of the reasons for Australia’s disappointing performance in the first two Test matches was that the openers failed to provide a good start to the team. However, Usman Khawaja played brilliantly in the second Test match but his partner David Warner was a complete flop.
Khawaja will still remain in the playing XI for the third Test. It is expected that left-handed batter Travis Head will be his opening partner for the remaining matches. Head was not included in the first match which was very surprising as he is in great form. The no.1 ranked Test batter in the world, Marnus Labuschagne will continue to bat at no.3 in the third Test as well.
Middle Order:
Steve Smith and Alex Carey (Source – Twitter)
Steve Smith will be seen batting at no.4, however, the right-hander will also be leading the Australian team as Pat Cummins returned back to his home due to serious family health issues. Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey got a great start in some of his innings in this Test series but couldn’t convert them into big knocks and got dismissed several times while playing sweep shots.
Peter Handscomb batted brilliantly in the second Test but didn’t get support from other batters. The right-hander will definitely be included in the upcoming Indore Test.
All-rounders:
Cameron Green (Source – Twitter)
Australian all-rounder, Cameron Green, who missed out first two matches due to an injury, might return to the field for the third match. Green’s ability to put pressure on the bowlers through his aggressive batting can be useful for the team.
Green can also be used in the middle overs to break some crucial and annoying partnerships. Green recently grabbed the attention, when he was signed by Mumbai for the upcoming season of the Indian T20 League.
Bowlers:
Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon (Source – Twitter)
Australian speedster, Mithcell Starc is likely to mark his return to the playing XI in the third Test after an injury. Starc’s brutal pace can provide the Australian team with some early breakthroughs in Cummins’ absence. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon continued his magical spin bowling in the series so far.
Todd Murphy made his debut in the first match and impressed everyone as he took 7 wickets in the first innings of the match. However, he couldn’t provide anything special in the Delhi Test. Matthew Kuhnemann is likely to play the third Test as Australia don’t have any other spinning options.
Australia predicted XI: Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (C), Mathew Renshaw, Peter Handscomb, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Lance Morris
