The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is set to pit Australia against India in the fourth Test in a thrilling match, which is tied 1-1. With the sun shining and temperatures reaching 40°C, both teams will need grit, skill, and determination to stand a chance in this crucial encounter.

Australia Bats First: The Big Show

Luck favored Australian captain Pat Cummins for the toss, and he chose to bat on a wicket reminiscent of the old MCG cushions—hard and touching the grass. “It’s been a great series so far. The pace looks good—like the old MCG wicket,” Cummins said. The verdict also shows debut of 19-year-old Sam Konstaswho will open the innings along with the experienced Usman Khawaja. Facing the fiery threat of Jasprit Bumrah for India in front of 90,000 spectators, the young opener is preparing for a baptism of fire.

Cummins also confirmed one change to the Australian line-up, with Scott Boland replacing Josh Hazlewood.

India’s Bowling Challenge

Rohit Sharma, admitting that he would have preferred to bat first, stressed the importance of putting in the effort to practice. “We fought well in Brisbane. The series is 1-1, and there is a lot to do,” he said. India’s method includes two spinners, and Washington Sundar joined Ravindra Jadeja in the playing XI. Shubman Gill misses out, and Sharma himself will open the batting alongside the promising Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Playing XIs

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (capt), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.

What is the Risk?

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is on the line. For India, a win here will ensure that the trophy remains with them, while Australia will be keen to reclaim it. The game promises running, jumping, and fun, but whether it will be a great game remains to be seen.

Youth Guns and History

The performances of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have been under the microscope, both youngsters showing flashes of brilliance but consistency. Sharma, however, has emphasized simplicity in their approach.

All eyes will once again be on Sam Konstas. From the age of 19, the opener is facing one of cricket’s biggest challenges: an Indian attack that boasts Bumrah, Siraj, and Jadeja, on a big stage like the Boxing Day Test.

Can India Make it Three in a Row?

India’s recent record at the MCG is terrible – they have won their last two Tests at the venue. A third win in a row here is not only in their favor but also reinforces their strength in a place that often troubles visiting teams.

Australia, on the other hand, is motivated by home conditions and the chance to rewrite history. The battle promises to be one for many years, when two dangerous teams oppose each other with everything at stake.