The fourth Test of the series between India and Australia will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26, with the series tied at 1-1. India won the first Test in Perth by 295 runs, but Australia leveled the series in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide. The third Test in Brisbane ended in a rain-affected draw, setting up an exciting contest in Melbourne.
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy currently held by India, Australia faces a must-win scenario in Melbourne. Both teams are also fighting for crucial World Test Championship points, making the upcoming match even more significant. The series is finely poised, with both teams eager to take the lead.
Travis Head has been the standout batter, scoring 409 runs at an average of 81.80, while Jasprit Bumrah has been exceptional with 21 wickets at an average of 10.90. Despite these impressive individual performances, both teams have yet to play to their full potential, needing contributions from all players to secure a victory.
| Match | Australia vs India, Fourth Test |
| Date & Time | December 26-30, 5:00 am (IST) |
| Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
| Live Broadcast and Streaming Details | Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar (app and website) |
MCG curator Matt Page has indicated that the pitch will have an even covering of grass, offering batters good value for their shots. However, spinners are not expected to play a significant role. Historically, the MCG was known for producing flat tracks that favored run-scoring, but this trend shifted after the Boxing Day Test in the 2017 Ashes series.
The weather forecast for Melbourne from December 26 to December 31, 2024, shows a mix of hot, breezy, and cooler conditions. The temperature will peak at 98°F (37°C) on December 26, with extreme heat expected, while the following days will see milder temperatures, ranging from 70°F (21°C) to 86°F (30°C). There will be a few showers on December 28, but overall, the weather will be more pleasant with a mix of sunshine and clouds. The conditions will be suitable for outdoor activities, but it's important to stay prepared for the heat on the first day of the forecast.
Predicted XI: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
Predicted XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Rohit Sharma (captain), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah
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