The fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia vs India is set to take place at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), starting on January 3, 2025. With Australia leading the series 2-1 after a dominant victory in the Melbourne Test, this match holds massive significance for India, who must win to stay in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Australia vs India Series Recap
India began the series with a commanding 295-run win in Perth. However, Australia fought back strongly in the Adelaide pink-ball Test, drawing the series level. The third Test in Brisbane ended in a rain-affected draw, while the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne saw India suffer a crushing 184-run defeat. This loss handed Australia a 2-1 lead, putting India under immense pressure going into the final Test.
For India, the WTC final is still within reach, but a win in Sydney is the only option to secure their place in the final. With 114 points and a PCT of 52.78, India must earn full points in this Test to give themselves a fighting chance. Meanwhile, Australia, currently in a strong position, will look to seal the series win and claim a spot in the WTC final for the second consecutive cycle.
Match Details
- Match: Australia vs India, Fifth Test
- Dates: January 03 – 07, 2025
- Time: 5:00 AM IST (January 3)
- Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
- Broadcast: Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar (app and website)
Pitch Report
The SCG traditionally offers a batting-friendly surface early on, with consistent bounce that favours the batters. However, as the match progresses, spinners are expected to take charge, making it one of the few grounds in Australia where spin can play a key role. The average first-innings score at the SCG is 318, and the weather could play a pivotal role, with hot conditions predicted for the first four days, and rain likely on Day 5.
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Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 111
- Won by Australia: 47
- Won by India: 33
- Drawn / No Result: 30
- Tied: 01
- First-Ever Fixture: November 28 – December 02, 1947
- Most Recent Fixture: December 26-30, 2024
Probable Playing XIs
Australia (AUS):
Australia has already announced its lineup for the final Test, with Beau Webster, the 31-year-old all-rounder, set to make his debut in the New Year’s Test. He replaces Mitchell Marsh, who has had a disappointing season so far. The rest of the squad remains unchanged, with Mitchell Starc returning to full fitness after a back issue.
Predicted XI:
- Sam Konstas
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steven Smith
- Travis Head
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)
- Pat Cummins (captain)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
India (IND):
India faces an uphill task in Sydney, with the team looking to level the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that pacer Akash Deep will miss the match due to a stiff back. As a result, India may bring back Harshit Rana or opt for Prasidh Krishna as the third seamer. With Rohit Sharma’s form under scrutiny, there is a possibility that he might make way for Shubman Gill at the top. Dhruv Jurel could also replace Washington Sundar to strengthen the batting lineup.
Predicted XI:
- Rohit Sharma (c)/Shubman Gill
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Dhruv Jurel
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Prasidh Krishna/Harshit Rana
- Jasprit Bumrah (c*)
- Mohammed Siraj
The Stakes
This Test is crucial for both teams. Australia will look to wrap up the series and claim a place in the WTC final, while India needs to win to have a shot at making it through. It’s all set to be a high-stakes encounter at one of cricket’s most revered venues. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be up for grabs, but more importantly, both sides are aiming for a place in the prestigious World Test Championship final.
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Stay tuned as Australia and India face off in a decisive Test match that promises to offer plenty of drama and excitement!
