Published By: Sanchari Das

Boxing Day Test: Sundar or Reddy? Australia's Boland Gamble? Here’s Our Predicted XIs for India and Australia

Both teams will fight fiercely, knowing that the series and a World Test Championship final spot are on the line

The India-Australia Test series stands delicately poised at 1-1 after a rain-marred third Test in Brisbane. As the action shifts to Melbourne for the fourth Test, both teams face critical selection dilemmas that could shape the series. Let's dive into our predicted lineups for this decisive clash.

India's likely playing XI

KL Rahul

India's most dependable batter, KL Rahul, stands out in this series. His 84 in Brisbane highlighted his resilience against the Australian pacers. With 235 runs already, Rahul's form at the top will be crucial in Melbourne.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Jaiswal's brilliant 161 in Perth showcased his immense talent. However, his struggles in the remaining innings, including two ducks against Starc, keep his spot under scrutiny. Yet, India will likely persist with the left-hander for his potential match-winning ability.

Shubman Gill

Gill's 60 runs in three innings indicate his struggle to convert starts into impactful contributions. However, his technical proficiency earns him another chance to cement his spot.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli's 100* in Perth remains his only noteworthy contribution in the series. His subsequent failures, falling to deliveries outside off, are worrying. The MCG, where he once scored a stunning 169, could be the stage for his redemption.

Rishabh Pant

Known for his heroics in the previous BGT series, Rishabh Pant hasn't been fired yet. His top score of 37 in this series highlights the struggles of batting lower down. With the top order struggling, Pant's attacking flair could prove decisive.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma's slump continues. He has averaged a meagre 11.69 in his last seven Tests. With just 19 runs in this series, his leadership and batting contributions will come under intense scrutiny in Melbourne.

Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja's 77 in Brisbane was instrumental in saving the match for India. Although his bowling has lacked impact, his all-round ability ensures his spot for the MCG Test.

Nitish Kumar Reddy or Washington Sundar?

Nitish Kumar Reddy has been solid with the bat, scoring 179 runs, but his bowling has lacked bite. Washington Sundar's off-spin and lower-order batting could tempt the selectors on a pitch that might turn late.

Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah has been exceptional, leading the bowling charts with 21 wickets at an average of 10.9. His past success at the MCG, including 6/33 in 2018, makes him India's biggest weapon.

Akash Deep

Akash Deep impressed in Brisbane with his consistent line and length. If he retains his spot, he could exploit Melbourne's bounce and seam-friendly conditions.

Mohammed Siraj

Siraj has struggled with the new ball but remains a key cog in India's pace attack. His knack for breakthroughs in challenging phases makes him indispensable for the fourth Test.

Australia's likely playing XI

Sam Konstas

Teen sensation Sam Konstas is set to debut at the MCG after a stellar start to his domestic career. His composure against India A and two Shield centuries makes him a talent to watch.

Usman Khawaja

Despite scoring just 63 runs in three Tests, Khawaja retains his place. The experienced southpaw will aim to provide solidity at the top.

Marnus Labuschagne

Labuschagne's 50 in Adelaide remains his only notable contribution. The Australian No. 3 must find his rhythm to fend off Bumrah and company.

Steve Smith

After a sluggish start, Smith roared back with a century in Brisbane. His form will be crucial in bolstering Australia's middle order.

Travis Head

Leading the series with 409 runs at an average of 81, Head has been a thorn in India's plans. His back-to-back centuries have established him as the standout batter.

Mitchell Marsh

Marsh has had a quiet series with the bat, but his all-round potential ensures his inclusion. He'll look to deliver impactful performances with both bat and ball.

Alex Carey

Carey's attacking 70 at the Gabba showcased his value as a keeper-batsman. His steady presence will support Australia's lower order.

Pat Cummins

Cummins has 14 wickets in the series, including a five-wicket haul in Adelaide. His leadership and bowling skills will be critical to a lively MCG track.

Mitchell Starc

Starc's 6/48 in Adelaide and his 14 wickets underline his threat, and India's batters will need a plan to counter his devastating swing.

Nathan Lyon

Lyon's impact has been minimal on pace-friendly tracks, with just three wickets. At the MCG, he'll continue to play a secondary role behind the pacers.

Scott Boland

Boland, replacing Hazlewood, has a phenomenal record at the MCG. His 6/7 against England in the Ashes 2021-22 is in history. Expect him to shine again on his favourite hunting ground.