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

Teams:

Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

Well, that's an interesting selection call from India. A lot of faith in the batting of Jadeja, Sundar and Reddy.

Ashish: "wow gill left out. We were thinking there will be an added pacer for india. However india have dropped a batter for a spin all rounder. Another curious decision by rohit captain since a pacer would have made more sense."

Youngest Test debutants for Australia

17y 239d Ian Craig vs SA Melbourne 1953

18y 193d Pat Cummins vs SA Joburg 2011

18y 232d Tom Garrett vs Eng Melbourne 1877

19y 85d Sam Konstas vs Ind Melbourne 2024

19y 96 Clem Hill vs Eng Lord's 1896

Youngest Test debutants for Australia

17y 239d Ian Craig vs SA Melbourne 1953

18y 193d Pat Cummins vs SA Joburg 2011

18y 232d Tom Garrett vs Eng Melbourne 1877

19y 85d Sam Konstas vs Ind Melbourne 2024

19y 96 Clem Hill vs Eng Lord's 1896

Pitch Report | Mark Nicholas and Sunil Gavaskar: The heavy roller is doing its bit on the surface. There's a lot of grass on the surface, day 1 pitch, there will be plenty in it for the bowlers. As the sun beats down, batting will become easier. 7mm grass on the surface, it might be slightly tacky at the start. The first couple of hours will be a real test for the batters. The conditions are really hot. 92,000 tickets have been sold and we can't wait to start.

Fair to say that India team is causing plenty of debate. Jasprit Bumrah, though, will get first crack on a surface with some grass. Also means Sam Konstas will be straight into the game.

Neel: "Excited to watch Konstas open up today, a Christmas present in itself being selected to open up at the G'!"

Moppa: "Can we talk about the other controversial selection call? Keeping Marsh in the team! What?" He needs some runs, for sure. He has built up some credit although will be starting to run low if he doesn't make a score here.

Vinayak: "Contrary to popular opinion I think this is a brilliant selection call. Nitish is in better batting form to be benched. 3 1/2 seamers and 2 spinners much needed for MCG pitch. Only wish Ro - Ko snap out of horrific slump."

Nick: "Oh so *now* India find a way to play two spinners. Ashwin must have really annoyed the BCCI at some point. He's going to be missed!"

Thanks for the tag and thread

Wonder what's going through Konstas' mind at the moment? See ball, hit ball?

Nishant: "Losing the toss may be a blessing in disguise for India. Hope India makes good use of the conditions and make early inroads. 2nd and 3rd day should be good to bat."

Glen: "I think India are looking very brittle and weak in the batting department with this named side. Australia's changes though, look more balanced."

It is national anthems time. Match will start in 4 minutes.