Australia legendary speedster Glenn McGrath opined on India captain Rohit Sharma's decision of opting to bowl in the third Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Brisbane's Gabba. Rohit's decision after the toss in the third Test match surprised many cricketers.
However, The Australian pace great said that he is not surprised by the decision to field.
“I’m not surprised that Rohit Sharma won the toss and bowled. He doesn’t want to get out there and bat.”McGrath while speaking on ABC radio.
McGrath further explained the potential repercussions of India's decision to bowl in the Gabba Test. He sheds light on the difference in how the media portrays a failed batting versus a failed bowling strategy.
“The thing is if you bowl first and it goes pear-shaped that looks really bad in the media whereas if you bat first and it goes poorly it is 'gutsy decision to bat first'” said Australia legend.
Coming back to the match, After opting to bowl India managed to bowl just 13.2 overs before heavy rain interrupted the play in Brisbane. Australia managed to score 28 runs without losing a wicket. Consedaring the weather forecast in Brisbane there are high chances that the third Test match will end without a result.
Australia are coming into the third Test match after defeating India by 10 wickets in the second Test match played in Adelaide. Travis Head was the standout performer for the hosts after Micthell Starc's fiery six-wicket haul to bundle out India on just 180 runs. Head scored 140 runs in the first innings that helped the Baggy Greens to score 337 runs in first innings. With that win Australia levelled the series 1-1. The ongoing Test series is important for India to seal their spot in World Test Championship (WTC) final which will take place next year in England.