The cricket fraternity eagerly awaits the final showdown between Australia and India in the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Scheduled to begin on January 3, 2025, this match carries immense significance. A win here would mark Australia's first series triumph over India in ten years, while India must secure a victory to draw level and keep their World Test Championship (WTC) ambitions alive.
Match Preview
Australia comes into this match riding high after a commanding 184-run victory in Melbourne. Their bowling unit, led by the formidable Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, has consistently dominated the Indian batting lineup throughout the series. In a tactical move, debutant Beau Webster has replaced the struggling Mitchell Marsh, bringing a fresh perspective to the Australian side.
India, however, faces multiple hurdles. Captain Rohit Sharma’s dismal form, with averaging 6.20 in the series, has led to intense speculation about his inclusion. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has refrained from confirming Sharma's spot in the XI, citing pitch conditions as a deciding factor.
Reports now suggest that Rohit has been dropped, and Jasprit Bumrah will assume captaincy duties. Meanwhile, pacer Akash Deep has been sidelined due to a back injury, with Prasidh Krishna expected to step in as his replacement.
Probable Playing XI
Australia
- David Warner
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
India
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah (c)
- Prasidh Krishna
- Washington Sundar
Weather and Pitch Report
Sydney is set to offer generally pleasant conditions for the Test, with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 34°C. Sunny skies are predicted for the first three days, but the forecast suggests increasing cloud cover and possible showers over the final two days, potentially impacting play.
The SCG pitch is renowned for assisting batters in the initial phases before gradually becoming spin-friendly as the game progresses. Spinners are expected to play a decisive role, especially in the latter stages, which could significantly influence team selection and strategies.
Key Players
Australia
- Travis Head: With 410 runs at an average of 58.57, including two centuries, Head has been a vital cog in Australia’s middle order. His aggressive approach has often provided the stability required in crucial moments.
- Pat Cummins: The Australian skipper has been exceptional with the ball, claiming 20 wickets at an average of 22.65. His knack for striking at critical junctures has been pivotal to the team’s success.
India
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young opener has been a beacon of hope for India, amassing 359 runs at an average of 51.28. His ability to withstand the Australian attack has been one of India’s few bright spots.
- Jasprit Bumrah: With 30 wickets at an astounding average of 12.83, Bumrah has been India’s go-to bowler, consistently troubling Australian batters with his pace and precision.
Match Prediction
Australia’s recent performances and home conditions give them the edge as they head into this crucial Test. Their batting lineup has demonstrated depth and consistency, while their bowling attack, led by Cummins and Starc, has proven to be highly effective. The addition of Beau Webster adds a layer of unpredictability, potentially enhancing their chances.
India’s prospects hinge on strong performances from their experienced batters and bowlers' ability to capitalize on the SCG’s spin-friendly surface in the latter stages. However, the uncertainty around team dynamics, including Rohit Sharma’s exclusion and recurring batting collapses, poses significant challenges.
Although cricket remains an unpredictable game, Australia's superior form and home advantage position them as favourites to secure the series with a victory in Sydney.