Australia vs India | Cricket Match Prediction | 4th Test | Dec 26 – Can AUS take the lead.

AUS vs IND Match Analysis

The Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, will host the fourth Test of a five-match Test series between Australia and India at 05:30 AM BST on December 26, 2024.

Australia has delivered strong performances throughout the series and entered the previous match as the favorite. However, persistent rain interruptions led to the game ending in a draw.

India will be quite satisfied with the draw at The Gabba, particularly after a disappointing first-innings performance. However, the team has several issues to address and must bounce back stronger to stay in contention in the series.

AUS vs IND Team Preview & Squads

Australia 

Australia’s performance, while solid, has not been flawless. The top order has struggled, with Usman Khawaja averaging only 12.60 across six innings. Nathan McSweeney, who made his Test debut, fared slightly better with an average of 14.40 but has been dropped for the next two matches. His replacement, Sam Konstas, has been in excellent form during the Sheffield Shield and even scored a century in a practice match against India. However, he has yet to face Jasprit Bumrah—a challenging prospect for any newcomer.

Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh are also out of form, increasing the burden on the two consistent performers, Travis Head and Steve Smith. Australia’s batting lineup remains shaky and vulnerable to pressure.

In the bowling department, Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out due to injury, with Scott Boland likely to join Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. Both Starc and Cummins have been outstanding in the series so far, while Boland has also impressed, particularly with the pink ball. Boland’s record at the MSG highlights his effectiveness at this venue, making Hazlewood’s absence less of a concern for Australia.

Nathan Lyon retains his spot and is expected to play a more significant role as the pitch develops after the third day.

Australia Squads

Australia Squads

Steven Smith, Alex Carey, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Marsh, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc.

India

India’s batting has been its Achilles heel. While Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli scored centuries in the first match, contributions from the rest of the lineup have been limited. The last game could have ended disastrously if not for KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja’s resilient efforts, along with a late cameo from Akash Deep.

Rohit Sharma has averaged just over 6 runs in his three innings, and Shubman Gill has faced difficulties as well. Nitish Reddy and Rishabh Pant have shown flashes of brilliance, but without a solid start, their impact has been limited.

The MCG’s pace and bounce in recent seasons are likely to present another challenging test for India’s batters.

On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah has been outstanding, leading the series with 21 wickets. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep have also been reliable, and it’s unlikely India will make changes to their pace attack.

The spinners, on the other hand, have struggled. However, Ravindra Jadeja is expected to retain his spot, primarily due to his valuable contributions with the bat.

India Squads

India Squads

Nitish Kumar Reddy, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jasprit Bumrah, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Dhruv Jurel, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar.

Australia vs India outfield report

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

With the highest total of 624, the average score in the first inning is 307. Batting should begin with the team that wins the toss.

On match day, overcast conditions with temperatures ranging from 17 to 29 degrees Celsius are anticipated at MCG. There will be 6–11 km/h winds coming from the southeast.

Batsmen may play their shots more comfortably as the game goes on and the pitch ages.

Australia vs India Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In the last five matches, AUS won two of them and IND won one.

Australia vs India Prediction

Cricket analysts predict Australia has a 67% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.