IND vs AUS 4th Test: Boxing Day Showdown - Key Players, Stats & Pitch Report

IND vs AUS 4th Test Preview: Key Players, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

The 4th Test between India and Australia at the MCG begins on December 26. Both teams aim to break the 1-1 tie in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Boxing Day Test, on December 26-30, promises intense action. Both teams will fight for supremacy in a series that could affect their WTC standings.

IND vs AUS 4th Test: India Looks to Regain Lead

After the rain-affected draw in Brisbane, Team India will be eager to take the lead in Melbourne. Captain Rohit Sharma will return to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal. He hopes to regain his form. If KL Rahul bats at number three, it will allow Virat Kohli to anchor the innings at number four.

India’s bowling unit looks strong. It is led by pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, alongside Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. With Ravichandran Ashwin retiring, Washington Sundar will likely replace him. He will pair with Ravindra Jadeja in the spin department. Notably, India has not lost a Test at the MCG since 2011, a streak they aim to maintain in this must-win game.

IND vs AUS 4th Test: Australia Eyes Dominance at MCG

Australia will look to build on their recent momentum. They made two key changes to their lineup. Teenage debutant Sam Konstas replaces Nathan McSweeney at the top. Scott Boland takes over for the injured Josh Hazlewood.

All eyes will be on Travis Head, who has been in scintillating form despite an injury scare. His MCG record is modest. But, his recent performances could favor Australia. Mitchell Starc leads the pace attack. He is supported by the experienced Boland and spinner Nathan Lyon. They will challenge the Indian batsmen.

IND vs AUS 4th Test: Melbourne Pitch Report

The MCG has made seam-friendly wickets lately. It’s had six straight, result-oriented Boxing Day Tests. Expect early assistance for seamers with bounce and movement. High temperatures could dry the surface. It would favor batters at first. But, as the pitch deteriorates from Day 3, spinners and bowlers who hit the deck hard may come into play.

IND vs AUS 4th Test: Key Players and Stats

India

Virat Kohli: 316 runs in 6 innings at MCG; Average 52.7; 1 century, 2 half-centuries; SR 52.6.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: 1,600 runs in 32 Test innings; SR 68.0; 8 half-centuries, 4 centuries.
Jasprit Bumrah: 15 wickets in 4 innings at MCG; Economy 2.52; Bowling SR 31.1.

Australia

Travis Head: 346 runs in last 10 MCG innings; Average 34.0; SR 48.6.
Mitchell Starc: 28 wickets in 15 MCG innings; Economy 3.41; Bowling SR 52.4.
Nathan Lyon: 45 wickets in 25 MCG innings; Economy 3.21; Bowling SR 62.4.

Head-to-Head at MCG: Australia has won 8 out of 14 matches against India at the venue, with 2 ending in draws.