The fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is set to commence on January 3, 2025, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). With Australia leading the series 2-1, this match is pivotal for both teams: Australia aims to clinch the series, while India seeks to level it and retain the trophy.
Match Details:
- Date: January 3–7, 2025
- Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney
- Time: 10:00 AM local time (5:00 AM IST)
Team Overviews:
Australia:
Under the captaincy of Pat Cummins, Australia has showcased formidable performances throughout the series. Their batting lineup, featuring stalwarts like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, has been consistent, while the bowling attack, led by Cummins himself, has effectively challenged the Indian batsmen. The inclusion of debutant Beau Webster, replacing Mitchell Marsh, adds a fresh dynamic to the team.
India:
India faces challenges both on and off the field. Captain Rohit Sharma’s participation is uncertain due to recent form concerns and swirling retirement rumors. Coach Gautam Gambhir has indicated that a decision regarding Sharma’s inclusion will be made based on pitch conditions. Additionally, pace bowler Akash Deep is sidelined with a back issue. Despite these setbacks, players like Jasprit Bumrah and young talents Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy offer hope for a resilient performance.
Key Players:
Australia:
- Steve Smith: A prolific batsman with a penchant for scoring big in crucial matches.
- Pat Cummins: The captain and spearhead of the bowling attack, known for his relentless pace and accuracy.
- Beau Webster: The debutant all-rounder brings fresh energy and versatility to the squad.
India:
- Jasprit Bumrah: A world-class fast bowler capable of turning the game with his lethal deliveries.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: A promising young opener with the potential to provide solid starts.
- Virat Kohli: Despite recent form concerns, his experience and skill make him a key figure in the batting lineup.
Head-to-Head:
Historically, Australia holds an advantage in Test matches against India. Out of 111 encounters, Australia has secured 47 wins, India has 33 victories, and 30 matches have ended in a draw. At the SCG, the pitch has traditionally favored teams batting first, with an average first-innings score of 318.
Probable Playing XI:
Australia:
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Konstas
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
India:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Cheteshwar Pujara
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Mohammed Shami
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
Pitch Report:
The SCG pitch is traditionally known to offer assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. Early in the match, seamers may find movement, while spinners could come into play as the game progresses. The average first-innings score of 318 suggests that batting first could be advantageous.
Probable Scenarios:
- Australia: Winning the toss and opting to bat could allow them to post a substantial first-innings total, putting pressure on India. Their bowlers would then aim to exploit early movement to dismantle India’s top order.
- India: A solid opening partnership would be crucial to counter Australia’s potent bowling attack. Early breakthroughs by their pace duo, Bumrah and Shami, could unsettle the Australian batting lineup.
Match Predictions:
Given Australia’s current lead and home advantage, they enter the match as favorites. However, India’s determination to level the series and the potential return of key players could make for a fiercely contested encounter. The outcome may hinge on pivotal individual performances and strategic decisions made during the match.
The fifth Test at the SCG promises to be a thrilling finale to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with both teams eager to assert their dominance and achieve a series-defining victory.
