It’s all down to the last game now. Will Australia finally win a red-ball series against India after a decade? Or will India retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy once again? Will we have the final say on both WTC finalists by the end of this game? Or is another delay inevitable? The answers to all those questions lie in how the Sydney Test unfolds.
Australia have pinned India against the wall with a 2-1 series lead. But with the last match scheduled to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which is the subcontinent’s embassy down under, the wall feels a tad softer. Indian players, though, will not get salvage with only a result in their favor. The damage seems permanent, especially with players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at least, both of whom could very well be playing their last red-ball game in Sydney.
There has been relentless criticism coming the pair’s way lately; though for a major part, it has not been needless. Rohit Sharma’s highest score this tour is a dismal 10, which sums up why Gautam Gambhir had to avoid the questions when asked if the Indian skipper will feature in the last game.
The hosts have had their fair share of challenges as well, though less dramatic and daunting. There were concerns that Mitchell Starc might miss the fifth Test after reporting discomfort in his ribs region. But come the squad announcement, it was another Mitchell who found himself sidelined from the team. It was Mitchell Marsh, whose lean run with the bat brought him under severe scrutiny. All of a sudden, his lack of contribution with the ball became all too prominent. To end all this, Australia decided to let Marsh off the team.
But nothing quite beats the nervousness that will be a part of this game thanks to a short turnaround. The Boxing Day Test ended just three days ago, and we are already gearing up for another game, and an important one at that. In all fairness, only a game with such a context could be climactic enough to cap off the race for the WTC final as well as the BGT.
Team Overview:
The Indian team is in shambles. Gautam Gambhir was vigilant enough not to drop too much of the team plan before the game. There are reports that Rohit Sharma might sit this one out, but that too has myriads of complications that will come with it. There is no denying that the Indian batting lineup, especially the top-order has been woefully disappointing throughout the tour.
The side’s only positive has been the way Jasprit Bumrah bowled in all four matches so far. Shubman Gill might get into the final eleven once again, as he was among the players to train at the SCG a day before the New Year’s Test. Dhruv Jurel in nets does not bode good signs for Rishabh Pant, who has not been spared of criticism as well.
Beau Webster will make his debut, replacing Mitchell Marsh and Pat Cummins said it will be nice to have a fifth bowling option. Especially when the main pacers have done more than what was required of them. Sam Konstas has kept his place in the team. However, Webster’s primary job will be to chip in with runs. With Steve Smith finally back to his destructive form Australia would feel really confident going into the final Test game.
Head-to-Head Matches:
India and Australia have played 111 Test matches against each other. With 47 wins Australia dominate the match-up. While India’s 33 wins are lesser, most of them have come in the recent past. 30 games ended in a draw, while one was tied.
Weather and Pitch Report:
When playing in Sydney, you have always got to account for rain. Likewise, this game will definitely have some influence from rain. The curators have left some grass on the pitch and generally, the surface favors pacers. With rain also in the forecast, especially for the later part of the game, the benefit to pacers will but increase.
Where to Watch:
India: Star Sports
Australia: Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports, Channel 7 and 7Plus
Pakistan: Tapmad
UK: TNT, Discovery+
New Zealand: Sky NZ
MENA: Cricbuzz
Caribbean: SportsMax
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan: JioStar
Southern Africa: Super Sports
US: Willow TV
