IND vs AUS: India is expected to make several changes for the Boxing Day Test against Australia, starting December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). According to reports, captain Rohit Sharma will open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, with KL Rahul shifting to the No. 3 spot. The Indian team may also opt for two spinners, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, while either Shubman Gill or Nitish Kumar Reddy could be left out of the playing XI. The pace attack is likely to remain unchanged, featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep.
Series Tied as Teams Enter the Crucial Fourth Test
The series is currently level at 1-1 after three gripping Tests. India secured a dominant 295-run victory in the first Test at Perth, but Australia bounced back with a commanding 10-wicket win in Adelaide. The rain-affected third Test ended in a draw, adding further intrigue to the series.
The weather forecast for Melbourne appears promising, with mostly clear skies expected during the match. However, there is a 25% chance of rain on Days 3 and 4, with hot and humid conditions predicted for the remaining days. As Accuweather.com
Australia Announce Playing XI with Two Key Changes
Australia has confirmed its playing XI ahead of the match. Captain Pat Cummins announced that seamer Scott Boland will replace the injured Josh Hazlewood. Meanwhile, 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas is set to make his Test debut, replacing Nathan McSweeney. Konstas will be Australia’s youngest Test debutant since Cummins himself debuted in 2011 against South Africa.
Australia Playing XI:
Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
India Probable Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy/Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep
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This high-stakes encounter promises to be a thrilling chapter in the India-Australia rivalry as both teams battle for supremacy in the series.
FAQs
1. What is the weather forecast for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne?
The weather is expected to remain clear for most of the match. However, there is a 25% chance of rain on Day 3 and Day 4, with hot and humid conditions prevailing throughout the game.
2. What changes are expected in India’s playing XI?
India is likely to open with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, while KL Rahul may drop to No. 3. The team might include two spinners, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, and either Shubman Gill or Nitish Kumar Reddy could miss out.
3. Who will debut for Australia in this Test match?
Australia’s 19-year-old opener, Sam Konstas, is set to make his Test debut, replacing Nathan McSweeney.
4. What is the current scoreline of the series?
The series is tied at 1-1 after three Tests. India won the first Test in Perth, while Australia triumphed in Adelaide. The third Test ended in a rain-affected draw.
5. Who are the confirmed bowlers for both teams?
India’s pace attack includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, with spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar as possible inclusions. Australia will feature Scott Boland, replacing Josh Hazlewood, alongside Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon.