Published By: Sanchari Das

BGT 24/25: Are the Weather Gods and Pitch Report in India’s Favour for the Decider Game?

The final act of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy sees India battling to level the series as Australia looks to seal their WTC final berth

The New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is set to be a thrilling finale to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Australia, leading the series after a commanding win in the Boxing Day Test, is eyeing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Meanwhile, India, undefeated in a BGT series since 2017, aims to retain the trophy for the fourth consecutive time and keep their WTC Final hopes alive. With 40 days of intense cricket behind them, the final clash promises high drama and fierce competition.

The Sydney Cricket Ground: A spin-friendly pitch

The SCG is known for its unique characteristics compared to other Australian venues. Unlike the bouncy tracks elsewhere, it offers a good batting surface and assistance to spinners. Batters can expect long play sessions in the initial days, while bowlers, especially spinners, will likely dominate as the match progresses. Historically, matches at SCG often extend to the final day, keeping fans engaged till the end.

The average first-innings score at SCG is 318, reducing slightly to 311 in the second innings. By the third innings, the average drops to 249, and in the fourth, it plummets to 169, highlighting the challenges of batting last. The pitch curator, Adam Lewis, revealed that meticulous preparations are underway. “We’ve cut the grass to 7 mm and are rolling it heavily. The aim is to maintain moisture and reduce the colour to create a balanced surface for the game,” said Lewis.

Weather: A crucial factor

The weather forecast for the Test is a mix of promise and concern. Days 1 through 3 are expected to be rain-free, providing ideal conditions for uninterrupted play. However, overcast skies on Day 1 could test batters early on. As the match progresses, light rain is predicted on Day 4, and Day 5 might witness significant rainfall, with an 80% chance of showers.

While this rainfall offers respite from the ongoing heatwave, it could complicate India’s efforts to level the series. Any interruptions on the final day might become decisive, potentially thwarting India’s pursuit of victory.

Challenges for the batters and bowlers

SCG’s pitch traditionally mimics subcontinental conditions, making it a paradise for spinners. Though spinners struggled for impact earlier in the series, they could succeed here. The likes of Nathan Lyon and Ravindra Jadeja will be keen to exploit the conditions.

Batters, on the other hand, will need patience and skill to settle in. Once set, they can amass big scores, making it crucial for teams to build solid partnerships. Early breakthroughs will be vital for bowlers to avoid letting the game slip away.

India’s uphill battle

India is trailing 1-2 in the series after an 184-run loss in Melbourne. It faces immense pressure. A loss or a draw in Sydney will hand the BGT to Australia, ending India’s dominance since 2017. Rohit Sharma’s men must perform exceptionally to stay alive in the WTC Final race.

The batting lineup, which has struggled with consistency, must rise to the occasion. The bowling unit, too, needs to adapt to SCG’s conditions, ensuring they capitalise on spin-friendly patches.

Rain: A double-edged sword

Rain in Sydney could play a pivotal role in the Test’s outcome. While it relieves the heat, it poses challenges for India’s plans. The interruptions on Days 4 and 5 might hinder India’s efforts to force a result. On the other hand, Australia, already leading the series, might see the rain as a potential ally in retaining the trophy.