When Australia walked into the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series with unwavering confidence at No. 3, India was still picking its third batter like it was a game of musical chairs. The contrast wasn’t just statistical—it was psychological. While Marnus Labuschagne batted in 19 of Australia’s last 24 Tests, anchoring the innings with calm precision, India cycled through Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan in the same role across just six Tests. The result? Australia won the series 2-1. India didn’t just lose matches—they lost momentum.
Stability vs. Shuffle: The No. 3 Divide
Labuschagne didn’t just hold down the No. 3 spot—he defined it. His 244 runs in the series came at an average of 48.8, with three half-centuries and a gritty 81 in Adelaide that steadied Australia after early collapses. He wasn’t flashy. He was reliable. Like a lock on a door that never jams. Meanwhile, India’s No. 3 became a graveyard of potential. Rohit Sharma, the captain and premier opener, was moved down after the 2023 World Test Championship final loss—a move that backfired. He averaged just 34.5 in the role. KL Rahul, a natural middle-order batsman, was shoved into the position and returned scores of 24 and 0. Sai Sudharsan, the young debutant, showed promise with two fifties in five Tests, but was dropped after just 273 runs. The inconsistency wasn’t random. It was structural.Australia’s Batting Backbone: More Than Just Labuschagne
Labuschagne was the anchor, but he wasn’t alone. Usman Khawaja led the charge with 333 runs—his highest tally in an India series—and played with the kind of patience that drains bowlers. Travis Head added 235 runs, including a blistering 104 in Perth that turned the tide. Even Steve Smith, at 34, chipped in with 145 runs and a leadership presence that belied his age. The beauty? They weren’t flukes. Khawaja had been consistent since 2021. Head had been rising since 2019. Smith? He’s been the quiet constant through three coaching changes. This wasn’t luck. It was culture.And then there was Nathan Lyon. His 17 wickets in the series weren’t just numbers—they were pressure. Smith called Lyon’s performance in Melbourne “the best I’ve seen him bowl.” Even Virat Kohli, who scored 297 runs and broke a year-long drought with a 104 in Mumbai, admitted post-match: “They didn’t give us space. Lyon kept turning it, and they backed him.”
India’s Crisis: More Than Just a Position
India’s problem wasn’t just No. 3. It was identity. After the WTC final loss in June 2023, the team seemed to lose its batting DNA. The IPL, which ended just weeks before the series, left players fatigued and mentally scattered. The BCCI’s schedule—tight turns between franchise cricket and Test matches—left no room for recovery. When Shubman Gill was ruled out of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, the management had no clear heir apparent. They tried Yashasvi Jaiswal, then Shreyas Iyer, then brought back Cheteshwar Pujara—who, at 36, is no longer the same batter he was in 2018. The revolving door continues.Compare that to Australia. When David Warner was injured, they didn’t panic. They trusted Travis Head to step up. When Pat Cummins was sidelined, Steve Smith took over the captaincy seamlessly. Their system doesn’t rely on individuals—it relies on depth, preparation, and trust.
The Ripple Effect: What This Means for the Future
The fallout from India’s batting instability is already visible. In the 2023 ODI series against Australia, India lost 2-1 despite winning the first match. The same pattern: early promise, then collapse. South Africa, meanwhile, tried five different No. 3 batters in the same period—Wiaan Mulder played seven Tests there. India? They’ve tried four in six Tests. The message is clear: without a settled top order, even the best spinners (like Axar Patel, who scored 264 runs) can’t carry a team.Next up: Australia’s 2024 tour of India. The stakes? Higher than ever. The World Test Championship cycle is ongoing. India’s fans are asking: When will the selectors stop experimenting? When will they find a No. 3 who doesn’t need a safety net?
Historical Context: The Weight of the Trophy
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, first contested in 1996-97, has always been more than a series. It’s a battle of pride. India’s 705-7 declared in 2008 at Chennai remains the highest Test score in the series’ history. Australia’s 16-Test winning streak was broken in 2020 in Melbourne. But this 2023 series? It wasn’t about records. It was about resilience. Australia showed theirs. India showed their fragility.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the No. 3 position so critical in Test cricket?
The No. 3 batter faces the new ball after the openers, often against the most hostile bowling. They must stabilize the innings after early wickets—acting as the bridge between aggressive openers and the core middle order. A weak No. 3 collapses the entire structure. Australia’s Labuschagne has thrived here for years; India’s instability here has cost them multiple series.
How did Marnus Labuschagne become so reliable at No. 3?
Labuschagne’s rise began after Steve Smith’s ban in 2018. He was groomed as a specialist No. 3, given consistent opportunities, and trained in mental resilience. Unlike India’s reactive selections, Australia’s coaching staff stuck with him through slumps. He’s played 19 of 24 Tests since 2021 at No. 3—far more than any Indian batter in the same role over the same period.
What impact did Nathan Lyon have on the series?
Lyon took 17 wickets across the four Tests, including a 5-wicket haul in Chennai. His ability to turn the ball sharply on turning pitches forced Indian batters into errors. Even Steve Smith, a legendary batter, called Lyon’s performance “the best I’ve seen him bowl.” His consistency under pressure gave Australia a psychological edge.
Why is the IPL interfering with India’s Test performance?
The IPL ends just weeks before major Test series, leaving players physically drained and mentally fragmented. Many top Indian batters play 14+ IPL matches, then fly straight into Tests. Australia’s schedule allows recovery time. India’s 2023 series loss came after a grueling IPL campaign—players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli admitted to fatigue affecting their shot selection.
Who are the likely candidates for India’s No. 3 in 2024?
Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Suryakumar Yadav are top contenders. Iyer has the technique, Jaiswal the aggression, and Suryakumar the adaptability. But none have been given a long-term chance. Without a clear plan, India risks repeating the same mistakes—especially against Australia’s disciplined attack in the 2024 home series.
How does Australia’s selection policy differ from India’s?
Australia picks based on consistency and long-term development. Labuschagne, Head, and Smith have all been given multi-year opportunities. India, by contrast, reacts to short-term results. A poor score leads to a benching; a good score leads to hype—then another change. This reactive approach prevents any batter from building rhythm, especially in the crucial No. 3 slot.
