No pain in Brisbane?

Commonsense suggests that in the current climate theres more likelihood of a Test series with India in Australia rather than a T20 World Cup With the pandemic still lurking its far easier to provide a reasonably safe environment for one rather than 16 playing squads So what is the likely outcome of a series between two of the Test heavyweightsIndias historic away series win the last time these two teams met will be a far more difficult feat to repeat The two big differences between the 201819 series and this one will be the return of David Warner and Steve Smith and an opening encounter at the infamous GabbatoirIm mystified why the Gabba is such a black spot for touring teams the pitch is true and its fair to all players And yet Australia havent suffered a Test defeat here since 198889 The helterskelter nature of modern scheduling resulting in limited time to prepare for local conditions could be one reason for the abject failure of touring teams at the GabbaIf India are forced to isolate on arrival this may turn out to be a blessing in preparing for Australian conditions Whatever constraints are placed on the Indians they should use this period to prepare cleverly and competitivelyCompetitive tour gamesA failure of many touring teams to Australia has been their reluctance to play competitive fixtures in the lead up to the Tests Too often these games are reduced to a virtual centrewicket practice session India need to ensure they approach any games in the lead up to the Gabba seeking victoryIn assessing the two sides Indias biggest challenge will be navigating a strong Australian batting lineup In addition to the presence of Smith and Warner the meteoric rise of Marnus Labuschagne at No 3 has helped solidify the batting Australia is now far less reliant for success on big contributions from Smith and Warner Warners opening partner is an area of weakness that India need to fully exploit but keeping the big three quiet should be the main focus of their attackAssuming India has a full strength squadmdashthree West Indies cricketers have opted out of the upcoming England seriesmdashthe touring selectors have a crucial role to playHardik Pandya will be keyIt will help if Hardik Pandya is available He gives India an extra bowling option to maintain the pressure when the leading fast bowlers need a rest This is Pandyas chance to gradually build up overs in the three Tests before the Sydney Test where he could act as the third seamer so that a second spinner can be included Having Pandya at seven would necessitate Rishabh Pant keeping and batting at sixChoosing a spinner will prove a major headache for the Indian selectors Ravichandran Ashwin has a great overall record but not so good in Australia Ravindra Jadejas allround talent and improved bowling form make him a legitimate challenger while Kuldeep Yadavs wristspin is the biggest wickettaking threat on Australian pitches The choice will call for some brave selectionsFor Australia the choice of bowlers is straightforward The pace bowling is in great shape with Pat Cummins Mitchell Starc Josh Hazlewood and James Pattinson forming a potent quartet The spinner is a simple decisionmdashNathan Lyon and then daylightThe batting lineup is not as clear cut The recently announced contract list suggests Joe Burns will be Warners opening partner Burns is vulnerable early and this is Indias big opportunity to first get at Labuschagne and then Smith while the ball is newMiddleorder uncertaintyAustralias middleorder is an uncertain quantity with Travis Head Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh vying for two spots That middleorder fragility highlights the rewards on offer for keeping the big three in checkAustralias strong attack should restrict Indias scoring to reasonable levels despite the daunting presence of Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara This heavyweight bout will be decided by who punches above their weightmdashAustralias big three or Indias big bats40The number of Tests Australia have won from a total of 62 matches at the Gabba till date with 13 draws and one tie08The number of Tests Australia have lost at the Gabbamdasha loss percentage of just 129031Australias unbeaten Test run at the Gabba since 198889 Theyve drawn just seven matches in the same period185Marnus Labuschagnes top score v Pakistan in Australias last Test at the Gabba in NovemberCatch up on all the latest sports news and updates hereAlso download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest news