IND vs AUS Playing 11, 4th Test: Australia vs India Probable Playing XI, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25

AUS vs IND Playing11, 4th Test: The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as India and Australia meet for the 4th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 26.

With the series level at 1-1, both teams will be eager to take the lead in this crucial battle. The previous Test at Gabba ended in a draw, heightening the anticipation as both teams gear up for a contest where World Test Championship points are at stake.

India, after their hard-fought draw at Gabba, will be looking to come out all guns blazing, as their top-order batting remains a concern. Australia, on the other hand, will be confident of extending their dominance at home, despite key injuries and some underwhelming performances from their veterans.

Match Information:
Date: December 26, 2024
Time: 5:00 AM IST
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Broadcast: Star Sports Network
Live Stream: Disney+Hotstar

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is expected to assist fast bowlers, especially with the new ball. The temperature is anticipated to rise close to 40°C on the opening day, which will likely add extra pace to the surface. Seamers are expected to get more movement than usual, but it will be one of the best batting surfaces on the 2nd and 3rd days of the match. The weather is likely to remain hot, and players will have to deal with the intense heat during the first couple of days.

Australia vs India Preview

Australia has named their playing XI with one change after the Gabba Test. With Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to injury, Scott Boland or Jhye Richardson will replace him in the squad. The team’s key batsman, Travis Head, will be a vital player, having displayed destructive form in the previous matches. Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith will continue to anchor the batting lineup, with Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Marsh expected to provide stability in the middle order. The bowling department remains strong, with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon leading the charge.

On the other hand, India will be looking to make a few tactical changes. Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s standout performer, consistently delivering match-winning spells with the ball. The Indian team is hoping that their top-order, including Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill, can deliver some much-needed runs, with Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant expected to provide support. Ravindra Jadeja will also be a key player for India, bringing in his all-round capabilities. India’s pace attack, led by Bumrah, will need to fire on all cylinders to challenge Australia’s batting strength.

Key Players

Travis Head: A key figure in Australia’s batting lineup, Head has been in terrific form, scoring 409 runs in 5 innings in the series so far. His aggressive approach and ability to dominate the Indian bowlers make him a vital player for the hosts.

Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah has been exceptional with the ball, leading India’s bowling attack. He has bagged 21 wickets so far in the series, and India will rely heavily on him to make early breakthroughs and put pressure on the Australian batsmen.

IND vs AUS 4th Test Team News

Australia: Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the series due to a calf injury, and Scott Boland or Jhye Richardson will replace him. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon are expected to continue leading the bowling attack.

India: Ravichandran Ashwin has been replaced by Tanush Kotian, and the team is hoping for a solid contribution from their top order. KL Rahul’s form will be crucial for India’s chances, as will the performance of their key bowlers, especially Bumrah.

Australia vs India Probable Playing XI

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

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Australia vs India Full Squad

Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Sam Konstas, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

India: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (Wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, Prasidh Krishna, Tanush Kotian, Rishabh Pant (Wk), KL Rahul, Harshit Rana, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar.