"Pressure Is On...": Ex-Australia Star Highlights Area Of Weakness For Australia Ahead Of 3rd Test

As Australia gears up for the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, former Aussie opener David Warner has stressed the importance of the top order delivering big runs, given the "relentless" nature of the Indian bowling attack when they operate in partnerships. The third Test of the series is set to begin on December 14 at the Brisbane Cricket Ground. Following a humbling 295-run defeat to the visitors at Perth's Optus Stadium--where standout performances from Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal shone through--the hosts made a strong comeback. Exceptional bowling displays from Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, along with a counter-attacking century by Travis Head, helped Australia secure a dominant 10-wicket win, chasing a modest target of 19 runs.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, as quoted by Wide World of Sports, Warner urged the Australian batters to step up their game, alleviating the pressure on the pacers.

"I think the pressure is on all of the top order, not just Uzzie (Usman Khawaja). Travis came out and counterpunched with a brilliant hundred--we know he's capable of that--but it's about everyone else around him providing support," Warner remarked.

"It's not just one player in particular; it's the top six scoring bulk runs and giving the fast bowlers a break. The first game was high-paced, but in the last one, we saw Mitchell Starc at his best with the pink ball. Come Brisbane, we need to see some big runs from the top order."

"This Indian bowling attack is relentless when they bowl in partnerships. If they maintain the intensity we saw with Bumrah the other day, the boys will need to dig deep and put big runs on the board," he added.

Warner's concern is well-founded.