AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test: Preview, Pitch, Weather Report, Probable Playing 11 and Streaming Details: The series stands ready to entertain one and all at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) between India vs Australia between December 26 and 30, 2024, when the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy gets played. With the two nations set to fight evenly for the battle set up by the five-match series’ second fixture, both have visions of taking a lead that would have greater ramifications for the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
The contest is on for the Boxing Day test, which starts at around 5:00 AM IST, with the toss expected at 4:30 AM IST. There were high demand for tickets: by Day 1, the tickets were already sold out. Since it is raining in Sydney right now, this match is expected to be very decisive as far as the series is concerned.
AUS vs IND 4th Test Pitch Report
The pitch at the MCG is generally quite well-balanced. Historically, the surface has assisted fast bowlers early on in a match because of its true bounce and lateral movement. Depending on the pace of the match, batters can expect conditions to improve, especially on Days 2 and 3. Spinners may gain an advantage as soon as the pitch ages.
Weather Report AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test
Melbourne’s Weather conditions will likely be perfect for beneficial cricket throughout the contest. Day 1 is expected to be clear, warm, and dry with an insignificant chance of a little rain. Perfect for seamless play, it happens to be the delight of both players and fans.
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India’s Record at MCG
India has played 14 Tests at the MCG and emerged victorious in 4, lost 8, and drawn 2, with the most spectacular victory creating history in an otherwise historic series in 2018. The last test game held in 2020 at MCG was again won by India under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane. However, Australia has a very strong record in this ground, which makes it pretty tough for the visitors.
Probable Playing XIs
India: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
Australia: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland.
High Stakes For World Test Championship
This match is very important for India in terms of their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign. If they win 3-1 in the series, then they will automatically qualify for the WTC final, regardless of what else may happen. However, if they were to settle for 2-1 or 2-2 at this point, things would become much trickier for them.
The determining events to follow are Sri Lanka’s upcoming series against Australia and Pakistan’s encounters with South Africa. On the other hand, for Australia, a victory will further cement their standing in the WTC as well as serve to boost their morale going into the next challenges.
Also Read: Updated WTC 2025 Points Table After India vs Australia 3rd Test
Streaming Details
The match would be telecast on Star Sports and streamed live on Disney+ Hotstar within India. This major clash will be keenly watched by fans across the world, ensuring a wide reach and great viewership.
So with both India and Australia getting set for this vital Test at the MCG, the stakes could not be better. Both teams have shown considerable grit in the context of the series so far, meaning cricket fans can expect a really exciting contest to complement Boxing Day in the annual tradition.
