Melbourne has been a happy hunting ground for the Indians, who have won their last two Test matches against Australia at the iconic venue on the 2018-19 and 2020-21 tour. With series in the balance at 1-1 after three Test matches, both teams will be eager to take advantage in the Boxing-Day Test.
Australia thoroughly dominated the last Test at the Gabba, Brisbane whereas India had the rub of the green on their side to get away with a draw because of persistent rain. The home team has named their playing XI for the MCG Test, with Sam Konstas replacing out-of-form Nathan McSweeney and Scott Boland taking the place of injured Josh Hazlewood.
Importantly for Australia, their talisman batter Travis Head has been declared fit. Head had experienced a minor quad strain while batting in the Brisbane Test last week but he has achieved full fitness.
On the other hand, the visitors had also suffered an injury scare with Rohit Sharma copping a blow on his knee in the nets. However, Rohit has confirmed that he is good to go and lead his team in the penultimate Test of the series.
India’s batting line-up has been a major disappointment in the ongoing series and they will need to be at their best. Moreover, Jasprit Bumrah with 21 scalps in three matches, has been the lone warrior for the team and he would want support from the other end.
Match Prediction: Australia might start as favorites against India.
India Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Tanush Kotian, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Devdutt Padikkal, Sarfaraz Khan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana.
Australia Squad: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Beau Webster, Sean Abbott, Josh Inglis, Jhye Richardson
