Australia vs India 5th TEST: Australia and India face off in the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground. With Australia leading the series 2-1, this match holds immense importance. A win for Australia would clinch the series and strengthen their claim to the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, while India must win to retain the trophy and keep their WTC hopes alive.

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney
Date & Time: Friday, 3rd January, 05:00
Series: Border-Gavaskar Trophy, 2024/25

Australia vs India 5th TEST Pitch Report

The SCG is one of the few venues in Australia that offers something for both batters and spinners. The pitch typically starts as a flat track, offering excellent conditions for batting in the first two days. However, as the match progresses, cracks on the surface tend to open up, bringing spinners into the game.

• Day 1 & 2: Expect minimal movement off the surface, making it ideal for stroke play. Pacers will need to exploit early moisture.
• Day 3 & 4: Spin will start playing a significant role as the pitch begins to break down, offering sharp turn and variable bounce.
• Day 5: Batting becomes increasingly challenging, with deteriorating conditions favoring bowlers, particularly spinners.

Key Factors:

• Weather: Warm and humid conditions may aid reverse swing.
• Outfield: Typically fast, rewarding ground shots.
• Toss Impact: Winning the toss and batting first is often advantageous to maximize runs on the flat pitch before it deteriorates.

Pitch Stats at SCG

• Average First Innings Score: 318
• Matches Won Batting First: 47
• Matches Won Bowling First: 42
• Draws: 23
• Best Bowling Figures: Nathan Lyon’s 8/50 in 2021.
• Highest Team Total: 705/7 by Australia (vs. India, 2004).

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matches: 110
• Australia Wins: 47
• India Wins: 33
• Draws: 30
• Win %: Australia – 42.34%, India – 29.73%

Last 5 Meetings

1. 26-Dec-2024: Australia won by 184 runs
2. 14-Dec-2024: Match drawn
3. 06-Dec-2024: Australia won by 10 wickets
4. 22-Nov-2024: India won by 295 runs
5. 07-Jun-2023: Australia won by 209 runs

Australia vs India 5th TEST Team News

India

India faces a challenging task with their senior batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, struggling for form. Rohit, under scrutiny as captain, must lead by example, while Kohli will aim to regain his consistency. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been a revelation at the top order, and his attacking style could set the tone for India.

The middle-order combination of Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar/Jadeja adds depth but remains untested in high-pressure scenarios. Washington Sundar may edge out Jadeja due to his batting prowess on a flat track.

Bowling: Jasprit Bumrah leads the attack, with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep providing pace. However, the reliance on Bumrah remains a concern, as the SCG pitch may demand patience and persistence from the bowlers. Spin duties are likely to be handled by Sundar or Jadeja.

Selection Dilemma:

• Shubman Gill’s inclusion in place of a misfiring middle-order batter could provide stability.
• Nitish Kumar Reddy’s role as an all-rounder could be pivotal in balancing the XI.

Australia

Australia enters the match brimming with confidence after a dominant series. Their top order, featuring Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, has provided solidity, while Steven Smith and Travis Head have shown flashes of brilliance.

Nathan Lyon’s presence on the spin-friendly SCG pitch will be crucial. Lyon has a stellar record at Sydney, and his ability to exploit footmarks late in the game makes him Australia’s trump card. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc bring pace and reverse swing, a combination India has struggled against.

Bowling Unit: Australia’s bowlers, including Scott Boland, have been exceptional in maintaining pressure and picking up timely wickets. The Australian tail has also frustrated India, contributing crucial runs down the order.

Key Updates:

• Mitchell Marsh’s all-round capabilities will provide balance.
• Usman Khawaja’s form with the bat will be under the spotlight.

Australia vs India 5th TEST Predicted Playing XI

India:

1. Rohit Sharma (C)
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
3. KL Rahul
4. Virat Kohli
5. Rishabh Pant (WK)
6. Shubman Gill
7. Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar
8. Nitish Kumar Reddy
9. Jasprit Bumrah
10. Mohammed Siraj
11. Akash Deep

Australia:

1. Usman Khawaja
2. Sam Konstas
3. Marnus Labuschagne
4. Steven Smith
5. Travis Head
6. Mitchell Marsh
7. Alex Carey (WK)
8. Pat Cummins (C)
9. Mitchell Starc
10. Nathan Lyon
11. Scott Boland

Key Players to Watch

India:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal: The opener’s ability to counter-attack can shift momentum early.
• Jasprit Bumrah: Needs to lead with control and aggression on a pitch offering little for pacers early on.

Australia:

• Travis Head: In sublime form and a reliable run-scorer in the middle order.
• Nathan Lyon: Australia’s primary weapon on the turning SCG track.

Australia vs India 5th TEST Prediction

Australia’s formidable home record and balanced side make them slight favorites. However, India’s determination to retain the trophy, combined with their spin strength, could make this a nail-biter. Expect a competitive game, but Australia’s adaptability at SCG gives them the edge.

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