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Woolloongabba Is Sweating For A Mouth Watering Contest 

Saleque Sufi From Brisbane, Australia | banglanews24.com
Update: 2021-01-14 12:25:13
Woolloongabba Is Sweating For A Mouth Watering Contest 

The fascinating contest of bat and ball between two evenly matched teams India and Australia would enter its last episode at half full Historic Woolloongabba tomorrow around this time. 50% full Gabba is set to enjoy what promises to be an absorbing 5 days cricket. 

The eventful four tests series after third test at SCG Sydney stays locked at 1-1. Host Australia won the first test (pink ball day night test) at Adelaide by 8 wickets. India was shocked and awed getting wrapped up for their lowest ever test innings score of 36 in the second inning. India bounced back at Boxing Day test at MCG winning the test by 8 wickets. In the new year's test at SCG Australia looked like winning till the 5th morning. India was set a target of 407 in a little over four sessions. Bruised and battered Indian batsmen bravely survived earning a sensible draw. The teams will put in their best effort for winning the test and the series at Woollongabba.

Brisbane is the fortress of Australia where they have not lost a test since 1988. The fate of the match was hanging in a balance following fresh break bout of Corona Virus and stringent Quarantine requirements of Queensland Government. Some players expressed reluctance. However, all parties agreed. But Indian players still complained about suffocating experience of Quarantine at Hotel Sofitel in Brisbane CBD. Anyway a visit to Gabba last afternoon appeared all safe and secured for the all-important test. Gabba wicket traditionally assist pace and offers bounce for both pacers and spinners. While Australian pacers are unaffected India has already lost Sami, Yadav and now Bumrah through injuries after being deprived of the service of Ishant Sharma originally.  

On the most suitable Australian wicket of pace and bounce Team India will have rookie pacers like Siraj, Saini and Natarajan to shoulder the responsibility against back to Smith, Labuchagne and very impressive Green. India cannot avail all round skill of Ravindra Jadeja. Punt, Bihari and Ashwin also have some niggles. Virat Kohli had to leave after first test for staying alongside of his wife Bollywood Star Anuska Sharma for the birth of their daughter. Even Rohit Sharma could not play before the third test. We are not sure that India can produce a strong team to challenge Australia. 

Team India should blame BCCI for giving less importance to Australia tour than their IPL.  Money matters most to BCCI than reputation. Too much cricket over a short time gave players little time to relax and prepare for the difficult tour comprising of 3 T20 Internationals, 3 ODIs and four tests. India is in real risk of getting out of the race for the World Test Championship. New Zealand is in favorable position. One among Australia, India and England would play in the final. India would host strong England at home in not-too-distant future. 

On the other hand, Australia also have some injury concerns. Will Pucovski has shoulder Injury that may require Marcus Harris replacing him. David Warner has not also fully recovered. Three pacers Mitchel Starc, Pat Cummins and Jos Hazelwood perhaps need some rest. But we are unsure whether Australia will risk resting them on a wicket where pacers are expected to deliver. With Labuchang and Smith back in business and Cameron Green looking gorgeous India will struggle containing rampaging Aussies. But the character Team India showed after Adelaide disaster may see them through. Indians will definitely not die before death. 

Cannot keep waiting to rush to Woolloongabba tomorrow for the absorbing test match. 

BDST: 1225 HRS, JAN 14, 2021
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