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Lots at stake in MCG for both teams

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With the series poised at 1-1, the Boxing Day Test holds immense significance

Melbourne, Dec 21: The stage is set for an epic showdown as Rohit Sharma’s Team India gears up to face Pat Cummins-led Australia in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26. With the series delicately poised at 1-1, the Boxing Day Test holds immense significance for both teams.
The five-match series began with India clinching a dominant 295-run victory in the opener at Perth.
Australia bounced back with a resounding 10-wicket win in the pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval, while the rain-hit third Test at Brisbane’s Gabba ended in a draw.
The upcoming match in Melbourne is not just about series glory—it will also determine India’s chances of securing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, scheduled for June.
WTC Scenarios: A Tight Race
According to the ICC’s points percentage system, South Africa currently leads the WTC standings with 63.33%. Australia is a close second with 58.89%, while India sits third at 55.88%, having played 17 Tests in the ongoing cycle.
A series victory in Australia would boost India’s WTC credentials, but a defeat could significantly dent their chances.
Ashwin’s Absence Creates a Void
Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement after the Gabba Test has left a gaping hole in India’s bowling attack.
The team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, faces a tough task in selecting a replacement capable of delivering in such a high-stakes match.
Rohit and Kohli Under Pressure
Captain Rohit Sharma’s performance has been underwhelming, with scores of 3, 6, and 10 since joining the series in the second Test. His struggles, combined with Virat Kohli’s poor form—just 126 runs across five innings in the series—have raised concerns.
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has hinted that Rohit might step down as skipper if he fails to make a mark in the remaining Tests.
Bowling Strengths and Weaknesses
India’s bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, has been a bright spot. Bumrah, the series’ leading wicket-taker with 21 scalps, has shown relentless form, but his fellow bowlers need to provide better support. Mohammed Siraj and newcomers Akash Deep and Harshit Rana have shown glimpses of potential, but consistency remains key.
Preparations in Full Swing
The Indian team has left no stone unturned in their preparations for the upcoming Boxing Day Test.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video showcasing intense net sessions featuring pacers Bumrah, Siraj, and spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Gambhir’s focus has been on sharpening skills and addressing gaps ahead of the Boxing Day Test.
On the batting front for , K.L. Rahul’s form has been a rare positive for India, while Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant are under pressure to contribute more significantly in the final stretch of the series.
The Bigger Picture
For India, the stakes go beyond just retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A win at Melbourne would not only boost morale but also keep alive their hopes of a second consecutive WTC final appearance.
The fourth Test begins on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with play starting at 5:00 AM IST. Fans can tune in for the toss at 4:30 AM IST. (Agencies)

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