AUS vs IND: 5th Test Preview – India strive to turn the tables in Sydney

Australia (AUS) and India (IND) are all set to take on each other in the fifth and final Test of the ongoing five-match series. The sides will lock horns for the New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, in Sydney, from Friday, January 03. Australia is currently leading the series by 2-1.

The series so far has been full of excitement, drama, emotions, and remarkable cricketing action. India started the proceedings with a win in the opening Test in Perth under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah. However, Australia bounced back in the subsequent pink-ball Test in Adelaide to restore parity in the series.

The third Test played at the Gabba in Brisbane turned out to be a rain-interrupted clash that eventually ended in a draw. The fourth Test of the series at Melbourne recorded history with an all-time attendance record being broken. The packed stadium saw a brilliant five days of cricket, which eventually went in favour of the hosts who won the match by 184 runs.

The Sydney Test is an important one for both sides with the Aussies looking to lift the BGT after a decade, and India eyeing to retain it and clinch a spot in the World Test Championship Final.

Australia have already announced their playing XI for the upcoming clash, with Beau Webster set to make his Test debut. For India, the management has to make a tough choice of Rohit Sharma being in the XI after a string of low scores. The side also be without the services of Akash Deep as the pacer is suffering from back stiffness.

Pitch Report

The pitch at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is expected to be a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early in the game, batters will get some assistance as the track allows them to settle and score runs. However, as the match progresses, particularly on days four and five, spinners are likely to come into play. The pitch has been trimmed to approximately 7 mm and will be heavily rolled to retain moisture and preserve the grass cover, ensuring consistent bounce and turn.

Playing XIs

Australia (AUS): Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

India (IND): Rohit Sharma (capt)/Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prasidh Krishna/Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj