india v aus | 4th test | Preview
Melbourne, Dec 24: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has reached an enthralling juncture, with India and Australia poised at 1-1 in the five-match series. The action now shifts to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the fourth Test, starting Thursday, December 26.
With crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points on the line and the series evenly balanced, both sides are expected to bring their A-game to the high-stakes Boxing Day Test which eventually could prove as a series decider.
India claimed a commanding 295-run victory in the series opener in Perth to take an early lead, only for Australia to respond with an emphatic win in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. The third Test in Brisbane was a rain-affected draw, leaving everything to play for in Melbourne.
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy already in India’s possession, Australia cannot afford another loss. For India, this Test is an opportunity to solidify their dominance and push closer to securing the series outright.
Challenges
While both teams have had their moments, neither has consistently operated at their peak. For Australia, Travis Head has been the standout batter with 409 runs at an average of 81.80. India’s bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been sensational, picking up 21 wickets at an astonishing average of 10.90. However, both players have lacked sufficient support from their teammates.
A major concern for both sides has been the lean patches of their senior batting stars. India’s Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, along with Australia’s Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, have struggled to deliver match-winning performances.
Team Updates
Australia: The hosts have made a few changes to their squad. Young opener Sam Konstas is set to replace Nathan McSweeney at the top of the order. With Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to injury, Scott Boland is likely to step in, while Sean Abbott, Jhye Richardson, and Beau Webster are in the squad as backup options.
India: The visitors have brought in Tanush Kotian, a spin-bowling all-rounder, to replace the retired Ravichandran Ashwin. However, India is expected to stick with their current XI unless conditions demand otherwise.
Shubman Gill’s poor form has raised concerns, while the spotlight will remain on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to lead from the front.Captain Rohit Sharma has expressed confidence in his pace attack, spearheaded by Bumrah, but acknowledged the need for other bowlers to step up. Akash Deep, who impressed in Brisbane, and Mohammed Siraj will be key in supporting Bumrah.
Pitch and Conditions
MCG curator Matt Page has hinted at an even covering of grass on the pitch, favoring batters early on but providing assistance to seamers as the match progresses. Spinners may not have much to do, and with temperatures expected to hit 40°C on the opening day, fitness and endurance will play a significant role.
What to Expect
Fans can anticipate an aggressive brand of cricket as both teams fight for supremacy. India’s bowlers will aim to exploit Australia’s vulnerabilities against Bumrah, while the hosts will look to capitalize on the home advantage and their balanced attack. The match promises to be a nail-biter, with no room for error on either side.As the sun rises over the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both India and Australia. This match represents more than just a tussle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy or crucial WTC points—it’s a battle of resilience, tactics, and temperament. For India, the challenge lies in supporting Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance with a more unified bowling effort while reigniting the spark in their batting lineup, particularly among their experienced campaigners like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Australia, on the other hand, must overcome their struggles against Bumrah and ensure Travis Head isn’t left to shoulder the batting responsibilities alone. Both teams know the significance of seizing the momentum in this tightly-contested series, and the iconic MCG stage offers the perfect backdrop for cricketing drama. With a crowd eager for action, conditions primed for an intriguing contest, and the series hanging in the balance, the Boxing Day Test promises to be a gripping spectacle that could go down as one of the defining moments in the storied history of India-Australia cricket rivalries. (AP)