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The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is heading into its decisive fourth Test, with the series locked at 1-1. Cricket fans are in for a thrilling showdown starting December 26, 2024, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This Boxing Day Test is particularly significant, as both India and Australia are vying for a spot in the ICC Test Championship Final. Australia will look to capitalize on their strong form, while India faces immense pressure after narrowly avoiding defeat in the rain-affected third Test.
Match Details
| Match | India vs. Australia, 4th Test |
|---|---|
| Date | December 26–30, 2024 |
| Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
| Time | 10:30 AM (Local Time) |
| Series Status | 1-1 |
Teams Preview
Australia Preview
Australia has introduced Sam Konstas to bolster their top order, addressing concerns about inconsistent performances from their openers. While Marnus Labuschagne has struggled, Usman Khawaja and Konstas bring promise. Khawaja has an excellent record at the MCG, averaging 57 in six Tests. Middle-order stalwarts Steven Smith and Travis Head have been instrumental, with Head leading the series in runs (409) and Smith contributing consistently.
The bowling department looks formidable. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood form a lethal pace attack, with Cummins having an outstanding record at the MCG. Nathan Lyon provides experience and control, having picked 45 wickets in 13 Tests at this venue.
Key Players: Steven Smith, Travis Head, Pat Cummins
India Preview
India is under pressure after a lackluster batting performance in the last Test and the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin. They have brought in Tanush Kotian, a promising all-rounder, to fill Ashwin’s void. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the innings, with Rahul leading India’s batting charts in the series. Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli will need to step up after inconsistent performances, while Rohit Sharma’s form remains a concern.
Jasprit Bumrah leads the bowling attack and is the series’ highest wicket-taker with 21 scalps. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep will support him, with the latter showing promise in the previous Test.
Key Players: KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah
Predicted Squads
| Australia Playing XI | India Playing XI |
|---|---|
| Usman Khawaja | Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| Sam Konstas | KL Rahul |
| Marnus Labuschagne | Shubman Gill |
| Steven Smith | Virat Kohli |
| Travis Head | Rohit Sharma |
| Mitchell Marsh | Ravindra Jadeja |
| Alex Carey (wk) | Rishabh Pant (wk) |
| Pat Cummins (c) | Nitish Kumar Reddy |
| Mitchell Starc | Jasprit Bumrah |
| Nathan Lyon | Mohammed Siraj |
| Josh Hazlewood | Akash Deep |
Fantasy Team XI
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Travis Head |
| Vice-Captain | KL Rahul |
| Batsmen | Steven Smith, Usman Khawaja, Virat Kohli |
| All-rounders | Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Marsh |
| Wicketkeeper | Rishabh Pant |
| Bowlers | Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon |
Pitch Report
The MCG pitch offers an even contest between bat and ball. The surface typically provides bounce and carry, assisting bowlers early on, while batsmen can dominate as the pitch flattens out. Spinners may not find much turn but can play a crucial role in the latter stages of the Test.
- Average 1st Innings Score: 307
- Toss Recommendation: Bat first
Match Prediction
Australia enters the Test with momentum and a balanced squad. India’s inconsistent batting lineup and the absence of Ashwin could tilt the match in Australia’s favor.
Prediction: Australia to win.
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