With the ongoing Border-Gavaskar trophy being leveled at 1-1 the focus now shifts on the final Test match which is set to take place at the Gabba in Brisbane, a venue where not only has Australia excelled over the years but they haven't lost a Test-match in over 32 years.
After a miraculous draw at SCG that left almost everyone awestruck, a massive challenge awaits Ajinkya Rahane and his men at the Gabba as the visitors have never won a Test-match at that venue and the hosts are expected to go into the match full of confidence.
Ace Austrian pacer Josh Hazelwood revealed that the famed pace trio of him, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc are looking forward to bowling in Brisbane and said it’s an awesome place to play and all Australians love playing there.
“All Australians love playing up there. We probably grow a leg given the record we've got. We know touring sides don't like to play there, so that puts us a bit ahead before a ball is bowled. I guess we thrive on that. It's an awesome place to play. Very much an Australian venue, I've always enjoyed playing there,” said Josh Hazelwood.
Speaking on the conditions at Gabba, Brisbane the pacer said "It's late in the season to be playing there - it'll be a bit hotter than normal - but we'll put up with that and hopefully the thunderstorms stay away."
Hazlewood also confirmed that there is little chance of Australia choosing to rest or rotate any of him, Cummins, or Starc.
"It's probably the freshest we have felt while turning up to Sydney at this time of year, for a very long time. Back to back is fine even if we bowl 40-plus overs here, we'll be OK for Brisbane." Hazlewood said.
India may have done well to salvage a draw against Australia in the third Test at Sydney but a massive challenge awaits at Gabba as injury woes have left Ajinkya Rahane and his men trembled.
With Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah not available for the last Test due to injuries, India will step onto the field with an inexperienced bowling-line up at Gabba, which is known to be a paradise for fast bowlers.
However, the hosts have a formidable Test match record at Gabba. Out of 55 matches, Australia has won 33, drawn 13, tied 1, and lost 8. Since 1988, the hosts haven’t lost a Test match at Gabba.
(News 18 Inputs)
