Credits: BCCI/X
Indian star batter, Shubman Gill sounded confident in approaching the task with a clear mind against Australia. With the series at 1-1, both teams are set to face the challenges of the third Test on the Gabba pitch in Brisbane on Saturday, December 14. The rising batting superstar holds a good memory in Gabba which ultimately provided ground for his Test career. A 21-year-old opener playing in only his third test, Gill hit a courageous 91 as an injury-depleted India won the series 2-1 after scoring a record 328 runs.
Ahead of the third Test, Gill addressed the media and reminiscenced India's historic win at the Fortress Gabba. Not only this, but he also recalled his memorable knock, which played a big role in India's win in the game and the series. Addressing the media, Gill said, "Definitely very nostalgic when I came here. Just walking through the stadium again after the 2021 win felt very nostalgic. Definitely, I feel pretty confident playing here." Over the years, the young batsman has cemented his place in the Indian lineup, typically batting at number three.
The pink ball is tougher and acts differently: Shubman Gill finds pink ball more challenging
During the conference, Gill also stressed about the dynamics of the pink ball that affected India's innings in Adelaide. He said, "The pink ball is tougher and acts differently. Playing at night makes it more difficult to gauge the seam and hand position." He further stated that captain Rohit had wanted more from the hitters as a group in Brisbane after India was bowled out twice for less than 200 in the pink ball test in Adelaide.
Notably, India lost by 10 wickets in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, which levelled the tally 1-1.
This generation doesn’t fear the bowler; we just focus on the ball: Shubman Gill
Gill focused on giving importance to mental fitness while playing against Australia. Since the team will be under pressure to perform well, intensity and mental focus matter the most. “The intensity and mental fitness required here make it challenging. Conditions are tough, but this generation doesn’t fear the bowler; we just focus on the ball,” he stated. Since Gill and other players of the team have been facing Australian bowlers for years, both teams know each other well. “Their Test side hasn’t changed much in the last 5-6 years. It’s more about mental tactics now than skills,” he said.
Gill continued by expressing his belief in the team's capacity to perform better in a traditional day test. "We are more comfortable with the red ball, and I believe we will perform much better at the Gabba," he said. India will face Australia for the third Test in Gabba and will look forward to restoring their dominance and taking a crucial 2-1 lead in this high-stakes five-match series.
