AUS vs IND, 3rd Test: Unsung Gabba hero eyes SENA redemption on return to Brisbane
Shubman Gill has another opportunity to shine as India face Australia at the Gabba. With memories of his previous heroics in Brisbane still vivid, Gill will look to dominate the proceedings in the third Test, starting December 14. It will be a full-circle moment for Shubman Gill when he takes the field at the Gabba on Saturday, December 14. Nearly three years after making the world sit up and take notice of his immense talent, Gill will return to Brisbane with a wave of nostalgia.
Among the “Gabba boys,” Gill’s name stands out for his iconic 91-run knock that set up the platform for India’s record chase of 328 in the fourth innings during the 2020-21 tour. The difference this time is his batting position — he opened for India on that tour, but this time he will bat at No. 3.
History says that none of India’s No. 3 batters have ever scored a century at the Gabba in Test cricket. Cheteshwar Pujara is the only one to have come close, with a fifty to his name at the venue. Notably, since his heroic 91, Gill hasn’t crossed fifty in SENA countries. Can he finally end that drought and produce a memorable knock at the same venue?
Since the 2021 Gabba heroics, Gill has accumulated only 221 runs in SENA countries at an average of 18.41, with his highest score being 36 against South Africa earlier this year in Cape Town. At 25, having played Test cricket for four years, it’s time for the “Prince” to reclaim his crown and solidify his standing, particularly in Australian conditions where he has shown promise in the past.
GLIMPSES OF SOLID GILL IN ADELAIDE
Gill’s tour of Australia didn’t start on a high note. A fractured thumb kept him out of the first Test in Perth. However, he made a strong comeback in India’s pink-ball practice game against Australia Prime Minister’s XI, where he top-scored with a brisk fifty, helping India to victory. In the second Test at the Adelaide Oval, Gill looked composed in the first innings, showcasing solid defence and unleashing some glorious drives. Coming in after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal on the very first ball, Gill maintained his focus.
Unfortunately, just as momentum began to shift in India’s favour, Gill was trapped lbw by a full-length delivery from Scott Boland, falling for 31. In India’s second innings, Mitchell Starc produced an unplayable banana-swing delivery that dismantled Gill’s stumps, ending his knock at 28 off 30 balls. Despite modest scores, Gill’s intent and technique drew praise from Pujara, whom he replaced at No. 3.
“Their intent was really good. They were quite positive and forced the bowlers to adjust their lengths,” Pujara told *ESPNcricinfo*. “Gill played well, but he got out to a fuller ball. It’s something we need to work on.”
CAN GILL BECOME GABBA HERO?
Gill was an unsung hero of India’s historic Gabba win in 2021, a victory that made India the first visiting team to triumph there in 33 years. While Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89 remains the most celebrated performance from that match, Gill’s fearless 91 was equally critical in setting the stage for India’s successful chase.
This time, Gill has a chance to rewrite the narrative and secure his place among India’s celebrated Gabba performers. All he needs to do is back his ability and get the shot-selection right.
With India in a precarious position regarding World Test Championship qualification, a strong innings from Gill could be pivotal, especially at a time when big guns Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are struggling for form.
With the series tied 1-1, a win at the Gabba would give India a crucial edge, presenting Gill with the perfect opportunity to establish himself as India’s Gabba hero.
