Australia vs India: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 heads into its 4th Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). With the series tied at 1-1, this Boxing Day Test promises high-stakes action. Australia will aim to defend their stronghold and inch closer to a series win, while India fights to keep their WTC final hopes alive.
4th Test, Melbourne
- Dates: December 26 – 30, 2024
- Event: India tour of Australia
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne
| Teams | Australia | India |
|---|---|---|
| Start Time | Thu, 26 Dec, 5:00 AM IST | Thu, 26 Dec, 10:30 AM AEDT |
Pitch Report
The MCG pitch has undergone changes in recent years, favoring even bounce and consistent carry. Curator Matt Page expects pacers to dominate with an even grass covering, but spinners might come into play on Day 4 and 5.
Pitch Stats (in Tests)
- Matches Played: 116
- Batting First Won: 56
- Batting Second Won: 43
- Draws: 17
- Average 1st Innings Score: 307
- Average Second Innings Score: 280
- Average 3rd Innings Score: 250
- Average 4th Innings Score: 230
Head-to-Head
| Category | Australia | India |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 46 | 33 |
| Losses | 33 | 46 |
| Draws | 30 | 30 |
| Win % | 41.82% | 30% |
India has played a total of 14 Test matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Here’s a look at their record:
- Wins: 4
- Losses: 8
- Draws: 2
Last 5 Meetings
- December 2024: Match drawn, Brisbane
- December 2024: Australia won by 10 wickets, Adelaide
- November 2024: India won by 295 runs, Perth
- March 2023: Match drawn
- June 2023: Australia won by 209 runs, WTC Final
Form Guide
Australia: W, W, L, W, D
India: L, L, W, L, D
Australia vs India Team News
Australia
- Scott Boland Steps Up: With Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to a calf injury, Scott Boland will return to the playing XI. Boland has an exceptional record at the MCG, where his ability to exploit the conditions makes him a vital addition.
- Debut for Sam Konstas: Teenage sensation Sam Konstas is set to debut, replacing Nathan McSweeney. Konstas has been in sublime form in domestic cricket and recently scored a ton against the Prime Minister’s XI.
- Travis Head Injury Concern: Travis Head, the leading run-scorer of the series, suffered a quad strain during the third Test. He remains under observation, but the Australian camp is optimistic about his availability. If ruled out, Beau Webster could step in as a middle-order replacement.
- Lyon’s Key Role: Nathan Lyon is the only spinner retained in the squad, with the MCG pitch curator hinting at limited assistance for spin. Lyon will need to play a key holding role for the pacers to attack effectively.
India
- Ashwin’s Absence: Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected retirement after the third Test leaves a significant void in India’s spin attack. Washington Sundar or Tanush Kotian could step up to fill the gap.
- Bumrah’s Form: Jasprit Bumrah continues to lead the bowling attack, picking up 21 wickets in three Tests. His workload will be closely monitored to ensure he remains fit for the series decider.
- Changes in the Bowling Unit: Akash Deep is likely to retain his spot, but India might consider adding a fourth pacer. Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana could be in contention if India decides to go all-in on the pace-friendly track.
- Middle Order Concerns: Rohit Sharma’s move to the middle order has drawn mixed reactions, and the captain will be under pressure to deliver a match-winning knock. KL Rahul’s consistent form has been a positive, while Virat Kohli’s lean patch remains a concern.
Australia vs India Lineups
Australia
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Konstas
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steven Smith
- Travis Head / Beau Webster
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
India
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Mohammed Siraj
- Akash Deep
- Jasprit Bumrah
Australia vs India Prediction
Australia holds a slight edge due to their experience at the MCG and a strong middle order. However, India’s potent pace attack, led by Bumrah, and their ability to rise under pressure make this a balanced contest. Expect a hard-fought Test, with the result hinging on the performances of key players like Head, Cummins, Kohli, and Bumrah.
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