India vs Australia, 3rd Test: Playing XI and Toss Report - India decide to Bowl; Akash Deep, Jadeja come In

Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja comes into the Side The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia began with Indian captain Rohit Sharma winning the toss and opting to bowl first at the Gabba on Saturday (December 14).

With the series evenly poised at 1-1, this match holds immense importance as both sides aim to gain a decisive advantage.

India vs Australia: Team India's Toss Strategy

Explaining the decision to field, Rohit Sharma highlighted the favorable bowling conditions at the Gabba. Last five matches played at this venue have all been won by teams bowling first.

"A little bit overcast and a little bit of grass, looks a bit soft as well; we want to make the best use of the conditions," Rohit said. He also emphasized the importance of making bold changes to the playing XI as India seeks to bounce back from their defeat in the second Test.

India has brought in two fresh faces for this clash by bringing in Ravindra Jadeja - who replaced Ravichandran Ashwin - with the hopes of strengthening the batting depth and provide a left-arm spin option. Right-arm pacer Akash Deep comes in for Harshit Rana, adding firepower to India's bowling attack.

Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, admitted that he would have preferred to bowl first under similar conditions. "We would've bowled first too," Cummins said. "It's been a fantastic series so far. Really happy with how everyone contributed last week."

Australia has made one change as Josh Hazlewood making his return from a side injury, to replace Scott Boland, boosting Australia's formidable bowling lineup.

IND vs AUS 3rd Test Playing XI

India XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (w), Rohit Sharma (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

Australia XI: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (w), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

With the series tied, this Gabba Test could shape the outcome of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India will rely on its revamped lineup and bowling strength, while Australia hopes to capitalize on Hazlewood's return and maintain their home dominance.