Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 | Australia v India 4th Test | Preview and Predictions

All to play for heading to the MCG

An eventful Test in Brisbane saw on field and off field action with India bidding goodbye to one of their all-time greats, Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from international cricket following the conclusion of the third Border Gavaskar Trophy. Australia meanwhile have dropped their young opener Nathan McSweeney for the third Test and both squads look to find stability and take the lead of the series.

Ahead of the fourth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 series, here’s our match preview and predictions.

Australia vs India 4th Test | Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 | 05:00 IST, December 26–30

Team India stole a draw at Brisbane after yet another disappointing batting performance. Captain Rohit Sharma and their talisman Virat Kohli are the main two batters, who are under the pressure with Virat Kohli falling to his age-old weakness yet again. Kohli’s inability to have self patience with Sharma’s poor run of form has left the onus on the younger batters and with Yashavi Jaiswal, Shubhman Gill and Rishabh Pant neither able to get runs, India has had only KL Rahul step up and lead the way. 

It’s been a similar story with the ball as well for the visitors as it’s been Jasprit Bumrah with all the wickets from one end while there has been no support from the other end. With Ashwin gone, Ravindra Jadeja will have more responsibility on his shoulders while India will expect Mohammad Siraj and Akash Deep to take the pressure off Bumrah and give Rohit Sharma more options. 

The hosts Australia meanwhile would be disappointed that they couldn’t take a win in Brisbane, although rain halted their charge multiple times. The hosts will be pleased though that Steve Smith was back amongst the runs as was Alex Carey. With the ball, although Josh Hazlewood’s injury would be a concern, which has ruled him out of the series, captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were amongst the wickets and in fine rhythm. Moving to a much more seamer-friendly strip at the MCG, Cummins and Starc will be key while Scott Boland, who is most likely going to replace Hazelwood, is more than a handy stand-in.  

The MCG is expected to be a pace friendly wicket with the seamers from both teams set to play a crucial role. Expect not too many runs and some batting struggles with hosts Australia as the favourites to take the win. 

Fantasy XI: Travis Head, KL Rahul, Steve Smith, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland

Venue: Melbourne

Winners Prediction: Australia