Australia vs India Fifth Test Tips - Trophy in sight for the Aussies
02 Jan 2025
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Australia vs India Fourth Test Tips - Bruised teams set for Boxing Day tussle
- Australia vs India Fourth Test match predictions to be played in Melbourne from Thursday, December 26
- Australia won 8 of their last 12 Tests at this venue
- India lost their last 5 Tests under Rohit Sharma's captaincy
Can Australia get closer to the WTC final with a win in the fourth Test in Melbourne? (Getty Images)
Australia vs India Fourth Test
More than 100,000 spectators are expected to grace the MCG as the traditional Boxing Day Test between Australia and India is all set to extend the festivities. The Melbourne Cricket Ground will see the action starting from Thursday with the series tied at 1-1.
- Australia vs India Fourth Test
- Head to Head
- Australia Form
- Australia Team News
- India Form
- India Team News
- Australia vs India Fourth Test FAQs
Rain prevented Australia from having a crack at India in the third Test in Brisbane, with the visitors narrowly escaping a loss. The psychological advantage lies with India, but Australia could narrowly edge this match as they look to preserve their chance to win the series when the bandwagon moves to Sydney in the New Year.
- Australia have won 8 of their last 12 matches at this venue (Tests)
- Australia won 5 of their last 8 matches against India at this venue (Tests)
- India lost their last 5 matches under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy (Tests)
- Travis Head was Australia’s top-scorer in 3 of their last 4 innings (Tests)
Head to Head
There have been 110 Tests between Australia and India so far, with the Aussies winning 46, the Men in Blue winning 33, and 30 ending in draws. There was also a tied Test between these two modern rivals.
The first Test was won by India by 295 runs at the Perth Stadium in Perth. Australia managed to bounce back in the second match with a 10-wicket win in Adelaide. The third match was swinging towards Australia’s way, but with rain having its say in Brisbane, the game ended in a draw.
Australia Form
Australia is second in the WTC tally with 58.89 percentage points so far. They have four matches remaining, including two in this series, and will look for a win and a draw against India to finalise their spot in the finals.
Towering head and shoulders above everyone else, Travis Head leads the batting tally with 409 runs that include two hundreds and one fifty. Steven Smith may have found his form with a century in the previous match.
Bowling duties are ably led by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, who have 14 wickets each. There’s no one beyond them taking the responsibility, though.
Australia Team News
Josh Hazlewood is out of the series with an injury, which means Scott Boland replaces him. In line for a debut here is the young opener Sam Konstas, who replaces Nathan McSweeney. Travis Head may go through a late fitness test to confirm availability.
India Form
India are third in the WTC points tally with 55.89 percentage points. They need to win both their remaining matches to be sure of their finals chances.
The Men in Blue have struggled with the bat in the entire series, with only KL Rahul (235 runs) aggregating more than 200 runs. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain conspicuous by their absence in the run-getters.
Bowling duties are led by the impeccable Jasprit Bumrah (21 wickets), who is getting very little help from others. The retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin midway through the series sent ripples through the camp, but India hope to have their way here.
India Team News
Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj face questions over retaining their place with Prasidh Krishna waiting in the wings. Ravindra Jadeja looks set to retain his place, but if India deem they need a bowler to take wickets, Washington Sundar could slot back into the XI.
Australia vs India Fourth Test FAQs
Where can I watch the Australia vs India Fourth Test live stream?
Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Australia vs India Fourth Test live stream.
What time does Australia vs India Fourth Test start?
This Australia vs India Fourth Test match is being played at the MCG in Melbourne starting at 5 a.m. IST on Thursday, December 26.
Verdict
It’s not easy to say who has the edge in Melbourne as both teams nurse their wounds. Hazlewood’s void could be easily filled by Boland, but Australia hope that Head remains fit to start. If he doesn’t, the scales significantly tilt towards India. That said, the visitors aren’t sure of their bowling unit mix, while the form of Rohit and Virat continues to be a concern. On the balance, it is Australia who have an edge, and I am backing them to win here.
Australia Win
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