Cricket fans around the world are gearing up for one of the most anticipated matches of the season as India heads to Melbourne for the fourth Test against Australia, part of the exciting Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Scheduled to take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26-30, 2024, the match marks the beginning of winter holidays for many and promises enthralling cricket action.
The series is currently tied at 1-1 following competitive clashes, with India securing victory by 295 runs in the first Test and Australia bouncing back to win the second by 10 wickets. The third Test ended in a draw due to rain interruptions. So, both teams enter this match with high stakes, each vying to claim the lead and gain valuable points for the World Test Championship.
The opening day is set to commence at 5 AM IST, and fans can catch all the action live on the Star Sports Network or via live stream on Disney+ Hotstar. With temperatures expected to hover around 40°C on the first day, players will need to acclimatize quickly to perform at their best.
Australia has made some significant adjustments to their lineup. Notably, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is sidelined due to injury, opening the door for Scott Boland to step in. The Australian selectors are optimistic about giving Sam Konstas his Test debut, with hopes his domestic performances can translate successfully onto international cricket’s biggest stage.
"The highly anticipated Boxing Day Test between Australia and India is all set to begin on December 26," remarked experts, signifying how serious this encounter is for both teams.
On the Indian front, there are concerns surrounding their batting lineup. Rohit Sharma is set to open the innings, supported by young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and seasoned players such as Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, who have yet to find their rhythm consistently during the series.
"The challenge for India will be to support KL Rahul in batting, as every other batter apart from... has practically been absent," noted analysts, emphasizing the importance of their batting unit stepping up.
The pitch at the MCG is expected to play significantly, particularly on the first day, which is likely to favor fast bowlers with good bounce and pace. By the second and third days, the conditions may ease up for batters, though variable bounce could present challenges toward the end of the Test. Historical data reflects, "India has not lost at the MCG since 2011," which should provide some confidence for the visitors.
The Australian batting order is led by the likes of Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and the ever-consistent Steven Smith, whose mastery with the bat was on full display during the previous Test. Travis Head's exceptional form, amassing 409 runs this series, will be another key contributor for the home team.
For India, Jasprit Bumrah has emerged as a standout bowler, leading with 21 wickets through the series. His ability to swing the ball and adapt under pressure is pivotal for India's chances of triumphing. The Indian team’s fate heavily rides on their senior players not just fulfilling their roles but also delivering match-defining performances.
Bumrah's statistics reveal the weight on his shoulders to take early wickets and provide momentum for his side, which has faced difficulty with their batting output. Expectations will also rest heavily on Rahul, who currently has 235 runs to his name, as he leads by example and encourages the middle order to rise to the occasion.
Dream11 predictions for the match suggest the following probable playing XI: for 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; for India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
With the series locked at one win apiece and the pressure mounting, this fourth Test at the MCG is set to be thrilling. Both teams are aiming not just for victory but to solidify their standing before the concluding Tests. Fans will be glued to their screens as athletes take the field, hopeful of witnessing memorable performances during this high-stakes encounter.
