Boxing Day Clash: Australia opt for bat, India bring on Washington Sundar for Shubman Gill

Things are set to get hot in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as Australia and India lock horns in the fourth Test of a thrilling series, currently tied 1-1. In blazing sun and temperatures of up to 40°C, both teams will need courage, skill and resilience to take advantage in this crucial encounter.

Australia Bats First: A Debut in the Spotlight

Fortune favored Australian captain Pat Cummins on the throw 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,” Cummins noted. The decision also marks the Debut of 19-year-old Sam Konstaswho will open the innings along with the experienced Usman Khawaja. Under the watchful eyes of 90,000 spectators, the young opener faces a baptism of fire facing India’s fiery Jasprit Bumrah-led attack.

Cummins also confirmed a change to the Australian line-up, with Scott Boland replacing Josh Hazlewood.

India’s bowling challenge

While Rohit Sharma admitted that he would have liked to bat first, he stressed the importance of bowling disciplined. “We fought well in Brisbane. The series is 1-1 and there is a lot to gain,” he said. India’s strategy includes two spinners, with Washington Sundar joins Ravindra Jadeja in the starting XI. Shubman Gill fails and Sharma himself will open the batting line-up alongside the promising Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Play XIs

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (Capt), 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 win here will ensure the trophy stays with them, while Australia will be desperate to win it back. The pitch promises pace, bounce and excitement, but whether it will be a high-scoring game remains to be seen.

Young weapons and historical missions

The performances of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill came under scrutiny, with both young talents showing moments of brilliance but lacking consistency. However, Sharma emphasized the simplicity of her approach.

All eyes will also be on Sam Konstas. The opener, debuting at 19, faces one of the toughest challenges in cricket: an Indian attack featuring Bumrah, Siraj and Jadeja on a stage as grand as the Boxing Day Test.

Can India make it for the third time in a row?

India’s recent record at the MCG is impressive – they have won their last two Tests at the venue. A third win in a row would not only tip the series in their favor, but also cement their dominance at a stadium traditionally difficult for visiting teams.

Australia, on the other hand, benefits from domestic conditions and the opportunity to rewrite history. The fight promises to be one for the ages as two formidable teams clash and everything is on the line.