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The 4th test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). It’s the boxing day test starting on 26th December 2024. We’ll discuss about what could be India’s probable playing XI for the ‘Boxing Day Test’.
The series is level at 1-1 after 3 matches. This will be a very crucial game for both sides as they’ll be eager to take a 2-1 lead in the series going into the 5th and final test match of the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
There have been a few concerns for Team India in the first three tests. Rohit Sharma’s form in the middle order is a big concern, Virat Kohli too is going through a lean patch and so is Rishabh Pant. Shubman Gill has failed to convert starts into big scores.
Yashasvi Jaiswal too has been inconsistent. Only KL Rahul and Nitish Kumar Reddy have been the consistent performers for India. Reports suggest that India may drop Shubman Gill and play Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja at the MCG test. Rohit is expected to move back to the top with KL Rahul to bat at 3. Let’s take a look at India’s probable playing XI for the Melbourne Test
1. Rohit Sharma (C)
Rohit Sharma is expected to move up to the top in the MCG test. His form has been horrible in the 3 innings that he has played in the series. Rohit has scored just 19 runs in the 3 innings at an average of 6.33. His highest score is 10 so far in the series. India will expect him to lead from the front in the remaining two games.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal will open alongside Rohit Sharma. He likes to bat positively but has been inconsistent except for his brilliant knock of 161 in the Perth test. Jaiswal will be eager to do well in the remainder of the series.
3. KL Rahul
KL Rahul has been the best batter for India in this series. He has scored 235 runs in 6 innings at an average of 47 including two fifties. Rahul has been solid at the top and he’s expected to bat at 3 in the Boxing Day Test.
4. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has scored only one good knock in this series. Apart from his 100* at Perth, he has been below average with the bat. Kohli has scored only 26 runs in 4 innings apart from his hundred. Indian fans will hope that he regains his form in the remaining two tests.
5. Rishabh Pant (wk)
Rishabh Pant has 96 runs in 5 innings in the series. He averages 19.20 and his highest score is 37. Pant is a proven game-changer with the bat and can single-handedly win matches on his day.
6. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is expected to bat at 6 in the Boxing Day Test. He scored crucial 77 runs for India in his only innings in this series in the last test. Jadeja has been a match-winner for India in tests and will be a key batter at 6.
7. Nitish Kumar Reddy
Nitish Kumar Reddy hasn’t scored big in the series but he’s looked very comfortable at the crease and has done well in the series. He has scored 179 runs in 5 innings at an average of 44.75.
8. Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar is expected to replace Shubman Gill in the XI. Sundar has played one game in this series and scored 33 runs and picked up 2 wickets. He will add to India’s batting depth if included in the XI.
9. Akash Deep
Akash Deep bowled well in the last test match and picked up 3 wickets. He scored crucial 31 runs in the last test to help India avoid the follow on. He has been in good form in tests and will be a key bowler for India.
10. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah has been exceptional in the three matches so far. He’s currently the highest wicket-taker of the series with 21 wickets at an average of just 10.90 including two 5-wicket hauls. Bumrah has been the best player for the visitors in the first three games.
11. Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj is the second-highest wicket-taker for India after three matches. He has 13 wickets to his name at an average of 23.92. Siraj has been a little inconsistent at times but has bowled well.
India’s Probable Playing XI for Melbourne Test
Rohit Sharma (c)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
Virat Kohli
Rishabh Pant (wk)
Ravindra Jadeja
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Washington Sundar
Akash Deep
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
