An eventful Test in Brisbane saw both on- and off-field action as India drew against Australia and bid goodbye to one of their all-time greats in Ravichandran Ashwin, who has retired from all forms of international cricket following the third game of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Australia, meanwhile, have dropped their young opener Nathan McSweeney as the two sides look to find stability and take the lead of the series.
Ahead of the fourth Test, here are our match preview and predictions.
Also read: Cricket Australia sponsors 2024 | Indian national cricket team sponsors 2024
Team India stole a draw in Brisbane after yet another disappointing batting performance. Captain Rohit Sharma and the talismanic Virat Kohli remain under pressure, with Kohli struggling with his age-old weakness yet again.
Kohli’s impatience with Sharma’s poor run of form have left the onus on the younger batters. With Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant also not getting runs, India have had to rely on KL Rahul to step up and lead the way more than they would want.
It’s been a similar story with the ball as well for the visitors, with Jasprit Bumrah plucking wickets from one end with little to no support from the other. With Ashwin gone, Ravindra Jadeja will have more responsibility on his shoulders, while India will expect Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep to take the pressure off Bumrah and give Sharma more options.
The hosts, meanwhile, would be disappointed that they couldn’t take the win in Brisbane, although rain halted their charge multiple times. They will be pleased with the fact that Steve Smith was back among the runs, though, as was Alex Carey.
With the ball, although Josh Hazlewood’s injury would be a concern as he’s ruled out of the series, captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc remain among the wickets and in fine rhythm. Moving to a much more seamer-friendly strip at the MCG, Cummins and Starc will again be key, while Scott Boland, who is most likely going to replace Hazelwood, is a more than handy stand-in.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is expected to be a pace-friendly wicket. Expect not too many runs and quite a fair few batting struggles as we back Australia to take the win here.
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
Mumbai Indians will look to bounce back against Delhi Capitals who’ll be playing their first…
Here, we look at the official sponsors and partners of the UP Warriorz (UPW) for…
Here, we present our preview and predictions for Match 30 of BBL|15, to be played…
Here, we present our preview and predictions for Match 29 of BBL|15, to be played…
The All England Lawn Tennis Club have announced a long-term renewal of their long standing…
Here, we preview Match 2 of the 2026 WPL season, to be played between the…