Ponting Backs Australia to Continue Gabba Dominance in Third Test Against India
Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting is backing his former team to extend their strong record at the Gabba when they take on India in the crucial third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
With the series tied 1-1—India dominated the first Test with a massive 295-run win before Australia responded with a commanding 10-wicket victory in the second—Ponting believes the third match in Brisbane will be a much tighter contest. However, he still sees Australia as the likely winner.
“It’s really hard to predict after the way the first two games have gone,” Ponting told host Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review. “Both matches have been one-sided, but I feel like this one will be a more even contest. That said, I still think Australia will win.”
Backing Australia’s Strong Record at the Gabba
Ponting pointed to Australia’s historically dominant home record at the Gabba as a key reason for his prediction. Between 1989 and 2020, Australia went unbeaten in 31 Tests at the venue. While they’ve suffered two defeats there in the last four years—against India and West Indies—Ponting still believes the conditions favor the hosts.
“Typically, teams that win the toss in Brisbane bat first, put up a good score, and wait for the pitch to start helping the bowlers later,” he explained.
Ponting also highlighted the role of the pitch conditions, noting that Brisbane wickets usually have around 8-10mm of grass, making them particularly helpful for fast bowlers in the early stages of a match.
“If it’s overcast, the bowlers will be licking their lips early on, and the batsmen will have to work really hard,” he said. “India has done well there in recent years, but historically, Australia have only lost twice at the Gabba in 40 years. I’ll back Australia to win again.”
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Still Confident in a 3-1 Series Prediction
Earlier in the series, Ponting predicted Australia would win 3-1. Despite India’s surprising win in the opening Test, he is sticking to that forecast.
“I wasn’t expecting India to have a win already—I thought Australia would take the first two games,” he admitted. “But moving forward, I still think Brisbane will be tough for India, especially after the way Australia played in Adelaide.”
Ponting acknowledged India’s resilience but believes Australia has a more balanced squad.
“This Indian team has a history of stepping up when people doubt them,” he said. “But Australia, if they maintain their form from Adelaide, will be very hard to beat in Brisbane.
“I’ll stick with my 3-1 prediction.”
