Boxing Day clash: Australia elect to bat and India call on Washington Sundar for Shubman Gill
The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is set to sizzle as Australia and India clash in the fourth Test of a thrilling series, currently tied 1-1. With blazing sunshine and temperatures reaching 40°C, both teams will need courage, skill and resilience to gain the advantage in this crucial encounter.
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Australia bats first: A debut in the spotlight
Luck favored Australian skipper Pat Cummins at the toss, and he chose to bat on a wicket reminiscent of classic MCG pitches – firm with a touch of grass. “It’s been a great series so far. The pitch looks good, like an old MCG wicket,” remarked Cummins. The decision also marks the debut of Sam Konstas, 19 years oldwho will open the round alongside the experienced Usman Khawaja. Faced with the fiery attack of the Indian Jasprit Bumrah, under the watchful eyes of 90,000 spectators, the young opener is preparing to experience a baptism of fire.
Cummins also confirmed a change to the Australian lineup, with Scott Boland replacing Josh Hazlewood.
The India Bowling Challenge
Rohit Sharma, while admitting that he would have liked to bat first, stressed the importance of putting in a disciplined effort while bowling. “We fought well in Brisbane. The series is 1-1 and there is a lot to play for,” he said. India’s strategy is twofold: Washington Sundar joins Ravindra Jadeja in the playing XI. Shubman Gill misses out, and Sharma himself will open the batting alongside the promising Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Playing XIs
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (week), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (week), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep
What is at stake?
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is at stake. For India, a victory here will ensure that the trophy stays with them, while Australia will be desperate to get it back. The pitch promises pace, bounce and excitement, but it remains to be seen whether this will be a high-scoring game.
Young guns and historical issues
The performances of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill were put under the microscope, with both youngsters showing flashes of brilliance but lacking consistency. Sharma, however, emphasized the simplicity of his approach.
All eyes will also be on Sam Konstas. Making his debut at 19, the opener faces one of cricket’s toughest challenges: an Indian attack featuring Bumrah, Siraj and Jadeja, on a stage as grand as the Boxing Day Test.
Can India make it three in a row?
India’s recent record at the MCG is formidable: they won their last two Tests at the venue. A third straight win here would not only tilt the series in their favor but also cement their dominance on a traditionally difficult pitch for visiting teams.
Australia, by contrast, is driven by domestic conditions and the possibility of rewriting history. The battle promises to be unforgettable, as two formidable teams face off with everything at stake.
