Matthew Hayden. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
Matthew Hayden has suggested that India should opt to bat first if they win the toss in the third Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 even if the conditions are challenging. After the first two Tests were held in Perth and Adelaide, the third encounter will take place at the iconic Gabba in Brisbane, starting on Saturday, December 14.
India have been bowled out below the 200-run mark in three out of the four innings they have played so far in the five-match series. The former Australian opener feels that India should look to bat for at least a day and put a total of around 350 on the board.
“India must bat better, they must bat for time. They must bat a day of Test match cricket. Under a day, unacceptable. Has to be in that 350 zone. India should bat first even if there are challenging conditions,” the legendary opener told Star Sports.
Meanwhile, the cricketer-turned-commentator said that the Asian giants should look to bowl just outside the off-stump and also use the extra bounce that pitches at the Gabba are known to offer. According to Hayden, India will have a much better chance of winning the match as it will be played with red ball after the pink one was used in the second Test.
“And India, when they do get a chance to bowl, they need to rely on hovering in that fourth, fifth stump line a bit more. And most importantly, they need to use their bounce. It’s a key arsenal as part of a fast bowling unit in Brisbane. The red ball will definitely be more familiar in terms of Test match cricket. Australia have the running with the pink ball, they won so much with it!” Hayden stated.
India won by three wickets the last time they faced the Aussies at the Gabba in January 2021. Hayden asserted that the Rohit Sharma-led side will have fond memories from that game and could use it as a form of inspiration.
“Brisbane, different ball game! It’s a home game, but it’s actually a very good game for India as well because they’ve got memories of the last time they encountered Australia in the BGT!” Hayden added.