The Gabba in Brisbane is widely recognized for favouring teams that bat first, which made Indian captain Rohit Sharma's decision to bowl first in the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match quite unexpected for many analysts. Although rain disrupted the first day and the overcast weather may have influenced Rohit's choice, the decision was met with scepticism, particularly from those well-acquainted with the Gabba's playing conditions.

During a segment on Channel 7 in Australia, former opener Matthew Hayden expressed his views on the situation, asserting that he felt India was already at a disadvantage due to Sharma's toss decision.

When asked for his forecast regarding the remainder of the Test match, Hayden did not hold back in critiquing what he perceived as an error. “I’m backing Australia to win the series. I’m backing them in this Test match,” Hayden stated. “I’m backing the decision at the toss, as I believe the Indian captain made an unwise choice. This pitch is excellent for batting, particularly in the first three days.”

Hayden, who hails from the small town of Kingaroy in Queensland and considers the Gabba his home ground from his domestic cricket days, possesses extensive knowledge of this venue. The tall left-handed batsman accumulated over 900 runs in his Test career at the Gabba, including four centuries and an impressive average exceeding 60. Despite the overcast conditions and India's previous success batting second during the 2021 tour, he maintained that this was a misguided decision.

Winning team to take a decisive 2-1 lead?

Hayden anticipates that the Gabba Test will favour Australia, thereby shifting the series momentum in their direction. While he expresses optimism regarding India's prospects as they approach the New Year’s Test at the SCG, he also contends that he expects Australia to deliver their best performance at the MCG, rendering the final match of the series inconsequential.

“This Test match will establish the trajectory for the remainder of the series, where they will likely regain their form, particularly in Sydney,” remarked the prominent left-handed batsman. “However, this Test match in Melbourne is significant; there is not an Australian who does not cherish the Boxing Day Test match. Therefore, my support is firmly with Australia.”

Australia commenced the match strongly, with only 13.2 overs completed at the Gabba before rain interrupted play, leading to the cancellation of the second and third sessions. Usman Khawaja, a local from Queensland, appeared to be in good form at the crease before the players were sent off.

Read Also: Rain Washout on Opening Day Leads to Revised Session Times for India vs Australia Test

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!