NEW DELHI: Matthew Hayden, the former Australian opener, has suggested that Indian bowlers should focus on targeting the ‘fourth, fifth stump line’ while utilising the natural bounce at the Gabba pitch during the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, commencing Saturday in Brisbane.
Following Australia’s decisive victory in the Adelaide pink-ball Test, the five-match series stands level at 1-1, with India having secured a 295-run win in the Perth opener.
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Hayden offered his insights on strategies to dismiss Australian batters at the Gabba.
“India, when they do get a chance to bowl, they need to rely on hovering in that fourth, fifth stump line a bit more. And most importantly, they need to use their bounce,” Hayden told Star Sports.
“It’s a key arsenal as part of a fast bowling unit in Brisbane. The red ball will definitely be more familiar in terms of Test match cricket. Australia have the running with the pink ball, they won so much with it.”
The 53-year-old former opener emphasised the importance of Indian batters showing resilience in testing conditions.
“India must bat better, they must bat for time. They must bat a day of Test match cricket. Under a day, unacceptable. Has to be in that 350 zone. India should bat first even if there are challenging conditions,” Hayden said.
“Brisbane, different ball game! It’s a home game, but it’s actually a very good game for India as well because they’ve got memories of the last time they encountered Australia in the BGT.”
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The Indian team’s historic three-wicket victory at the Gabba in 2021, which secured a remarkable 2-1 series triumph, remains a significant memory for Indian cricket supporters.
