🏏Australia vs India, 4th Test: Melbourne, 26 - 30 Dec 2024: Day 5 🏏 - Page 2

Quotes

"Every game starts afresh…different teams, different structures. Think both teams have similar challenges at the moment. How do you find runs? Both bowling attacks have been on top. I'm not a big believer in history repeating itself.

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald wasn't reading much into past Boxing Day results

"After three Test matches, if I had to look at it being one-all, it's a fair reflection of how both teams have played. There has been solid cricket being played by both teams."

Rohit Sharma on the state of the series

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 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.

Hello everyone and welcome to the start of a jam-packed day of Boxing Day cricket from around the world. We are starting at the MCG, where a huge crowd is expecting on a blistering hot day, with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy sitting at 1-1. It doesn't get much bigger. Settle in with the leftovers and we'll bring you all the action.

Alex is at the ground: "It's very warm already. Sun is blazing. Slight high cloud cover but there will be no relief."

Only a few sporting events can match the buzz and thrill of the Boxing Day Test at MCG. Playing on Boxing Day is the stuff of dreams for any cricketer while witnessing a Boxing Day live is also highly sought-after by ardent cricket fans. A day after Christmas with festive spirit all around, the ‘G will entertain more than 90,000 spectators as Australia gear up to face India in the fourth Test of the series with the Border Gavaskar Trophy on the line. India dominated the first Test at Perth to go 1-0 up but the fiery Aussie spirit kicked in as Australia stormed back with a thumping 10-wicket victory in the second Test at Adelaide. The rain dampened things in the third Test at The Gabba - Australia were dominant in the initial stages while the visitors showed good fight in the latter half of the game.

As is common, we know the Australia XI. The big story is a debut for 19-year-old Sam Konstas. Scott Boland is also back in at a ground he knows very well.

There's also much interest in the pitch. Alex took a look at what we could expect, although the hot day today could also be a factor.

Adeeh: "Flew all the way from Austin, Texas for this spectacle. The series being level is an icing. Thank you Cricket Australia for the affordable and easy ticketing process! BTW, combined our 10th year wedding anniversary with this, hope y'all are taking notes :)"

Alex reports that Konstas will be presented with his cap by Mark Taylor

Both sides have issues with their top order, but Rohit Sharma doesn't want to complicate things for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. There will also be much interest in where Rohit bats.

"Pitch looks very typical for a modern MCG surface. It looks like curator Matt Page has left the 6mm of grass on it that he promised he would. There is some live green grass but there is less grass than some of the Shield or A games that have been here this year, which was also promised by Page. It looks firm underneath and it will firm up very quickly today. There will be seam movement with the new ball. But it would be a brave captain to bowl first as it will be 40 degrees this afternoon and the surface should get better for batting as the day goes on."

The seam-friendly conditions will once again be a test for the top-order of both sides. The limelight will be on the 19-year-old Sam Konstas who will make his debut for Australia at the 'G after just 11 first-class games. Can the youngster provide some impetus to his side as an opener? It’s a momentous occasion for Konstas nonetheless. Meanwhile, in the Indian camp, there have been talks of Rohit Sharma possibly returning to the opening slot. The Indian captain though didn’t reveal where he would slot in ahead of the match. India are also pondering on playing an extra spinner. If that’s the case, Washington Sundar could slot in perhaps in place of Nitish Reddy. For Australia, Scott Boland replaces the injured Hazlewood. Boland has a brilliant record at the ‘G and he will be raring to go.