AUS vs IND 5th Test Preview: Key Players, Pitch Report, and Live Streaming
The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will end at the SCG on January 3. India must win to keep the series alive and retain the trophy. Australia leads the series 2-1. Australia wants the trophy and a spot in the WTC final.
AUS vs IND 5th Test: Match Details
- Date: Friday, January 3, 2025
- Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
- Time: 10:00 AM (Local Time) | 5:00 AM (IST)
- Live Streaming: Available on official broadcasters and digital platforms.
India’s Struggle in the Series
India’s campaign started with a bang, securing a dominant victory in Perth. However, the visitors lost momentum. They were defeated in Adelaide and Melbourne, then drew in a hard-fought match in Brisbane. Now trailing 2-1, India needs nothing short of a miracle to level the series.
To make matters worse, India’s camp is under scrutiny amid rumors of internal discord. The team will rely on veterans, like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, to perform under pressure. Rishabh Pant is also key. However, all three have underperformed this series, leaving fans hopeful for a turnaround.
Adding to their woes, pacer Akash Deep is out with an injury. So, India has brought in Harshit Rana to partner with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. This pace trio will be key. They must exploit the SCG conditions and pressure the Australian batsmen.
Australia’s Dominance and Confidence
After a surprise defeat in Perth, Australia has bounced back impressively. Their wins in Adelaide and Melbourne showed their strength. A draw in Brisbane sealed a 2-1 lead in the series.
The emergence of Sam Konstas as a star in the Boxing Day Test added another layer of depth to Australia’s batting. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are back in form. So, India’s bowlers face a tough challenge. The only concern for the hosts is Usman Khawaja, who has struggled for runs and needs to step up in Sydney.
Australia will also debut all-rounder Beau Webster, who replaces Mitchell Marsh in the XI. With a bowling lineup featuring Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, and a fit-again Mitchell Starc, Australia looks like an unstoppable force heading into the final Test.
SCG Pitch Report: A Green-Top Awaits
The SCG surface should help pacers at first. It has a green top with a bit of moisture. Batters will need to play cautiously in the initial phase before the pitch flattens out. The average first-innings score at the venue is 318, and teams batting first have won 47 of 114 Tests.
Rain is forecast for the final two days, making the toss crucial. The team winning it will likely opt to bat first to capitalize on the favorable early conditions.
Key Players and Stats
India
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 795 runs in 10 matches, Average: 44.17 , SR: 62.69
- Rishabh Pant: 576 runs in 9 matches, Average: 36.00 , SR: 73
- Jasprit Bumrah: 46 wickets in 9 matches, ER: 2.92
- Ravindra Jadeja: 31 wickets in 8 matches, ER: 3.29
Australia
- Travis Head: 625 runs in 10 matches, Average: 36.76
- Steven Smith: 566 runs in 10 matches, Average: 35.38
- Pat Cummins: 47 wickets in 10 matches, ER: 3.14
- Nathan Lyon: 37 wickets in 10 matches, ER: 2.94
Probable Playing XIs
India
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- KL Rahul
- Nitish Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Harshit Rana
- Mohammed Siraj
Australia
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Konstas
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
India must win to level the series and keep the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia seeks a dominant win to clinch it. The stakes couldn’t be higher. With rain and conditions favoring fast bowlers, the SCG Test will be a thriller.
