The Indian team can expect a traditional, bouncy wicket at the Gabba in Brisbane for the third BGT 2024 Test against Australia. The five-Test series stands at 1-1 after Australia crushed India in Adelaide by 10 wickets. India had won the first Test in Perth by 295 runs.

The Australians have only been defeated seven times in 61 Tests played at the Gabba before Christmas, but they have lost three times in five Tests played there after Christmas, two of which have occurred in the last three years.

After India broke through the Gabba stronghold on their 2020-21 tour to win the series in a thrilling climax, the West Indies secured a nail-biting eight-run victory earlier this year. Both Tests were played in January. Prior to their loss to India three years ago, the Australians had not lost a Test in Brisbane since 1988.

Gabba pitch curator David Sandurski confirmed that the pitch will be a traditional one with lots of bounce and carry for pacers.

"Different times of year definitely make it different; it can be a slightly different pitch. Pitches later in the season might have a bit more wear and tear while ones early in the season usually are a bit fresher and might have a bit more in them,” Sandurski was quoted by AAP.

According to the pitch curator, the scheduling of the Test does not affect how the ground staff prepares the pitch. The goal is always to create a "traditional Gabba wicket".

"Generally speaking, we still prepare the pitch the exact same way every time to try and get the same good carry, pace and bounce that the Gabba is known for. We are just trying to make a traditional Gabba wicket like we do each year," added Sandurski.

Brisbane has received significant rain in the last few days, which "meant Australia were forced to train elsewhere on Wednesday" according to the article. It also stated that there is "a further chance of rain and storms late on Friday," the day before the test begins.

Sandurski's statement on the condition of the wicket was nothing short of a "warning" to the top-order batters.

Furthermore, he added that the surface will be similar to the one that saw 15 wickets fall on the opening day of the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Queensland in November, with batsmen eager to dig in and score runs later in the game. However, it was a day-night match played with a pink ball.

"The aim is to be similar to that wicket where there was a good balance between bat and ball. Hopefully, there is a bit in it for everyone,” Sandurski signed off.

The result of the Brisbane Test will be crucial forthe  Indian team, as they aim to qualify for their third consecutive WTC final in 2025.

(Australian Associated Press (AAP) inputs)