With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy locked at 1-1, the third Test at the Gabba, starting Saturday (December 14), could be pivotal for both Australia and India.
Speaking ahead of the match, Australian skipper Pat Cummins emphasized the importance of performing at home, especially with the World Test Championship in mind.
“There’s definitely pride in winning in Australia. These are our home conditions, the ones we grew up playing in,” Cummins said at a press conference in Brisbane.
“Winning away is the hardest thing in cricket these days. To make the World Test Championship, you’ve got to dominate at home and grab wins overseas where you can. We approach every home series expecting to win—that’s the standard we set for ourselves.”
India began the five-match series strongly with a crushing 295-run win in Perth, but Australia roared back in Adelaide with a commanding 10-wicket victory.
Cummins played a key role in the pink-ball Test, claiming seven wickets, including a second-innings five-for, troubling Indian batters with his pace and bounce.
The Australian captain hinted at using bouncers again in the Gabba Test.
“Potentially, yes. It worked well in Adelaide. It’s always in the back of your mind as Plan B, or even Plan A if it’s proving effective against certain batters,” Cummins explained.
Cummins also backed Steve Smith, who has struggled this series with just 19 runs from three innings and an average of 23.20 in seven Tests this year.
“His record speaks for itself; the stats suggest runs are just around the corner,” Cummins noted. “He’s been looking sharp in the nets, doing all the right things. He got unlucky last game, so I’m confident a big score is coming soon.”
The skipper praised the aggressive approach of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, who put pressure on Indian bowlers in the earlier matches.
“Trav and Mitch are natural shot-makers. That’s their strength, and they’ve been playing to it,” Cummins said. “Everyone has their method, and at a place like the Gabba, it’s about sticking to what works for you.”
With both teams aiming to seize control of the series, the stage is set for a thrilling contest in Brisbane.