AUS vs IND 5th Test Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

AUS vs IND 5th Test Preview [Source: AP Photos]

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has had a lot of twists and turns so far, and now it all comes down to the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) starting Friday, January 3. With Australia leading the series 2-1, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

India needs a miracle to turn things around, while Australia has one hand on the trophy and a foot in the World Test Championship final.

AUS vs IND 5th Test: Match Details And Live Streaming

AUS vs IND 5th Test Preview: India’s Backs Against The Wall

India came roaring out of the gates in Perth, smashing Australia to take an early lead in the series. But since then, it’s been a downward spiral. Losses in Adelaide and Melbourne, and a draw in Brisbane, have left the visitors in an abysmal position.

To make matters worse, murmurs of a rift in the camp have been floating around. With their backs to the wall, the big guns Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant—need to step up. Rohit and Kohli have been far from their best, and Pant has struggled to find his rhythm. If ever there was a time for these stars to shine, it’s now.

Adding to the pressure is the absence of Akash Deep, who’s been ruled out. Harshit Rana is likely to slot in, joining Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the pace attack. The trio will have to hit the ground running if India is to stand any chance of levelling the series and retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

AUS vs IND 5th Test Preview: Australia Smell Blood

Australia, meanwhile, have been playing like a well-oiled machine since their shock loss in Perth. They have been the better team by a country mile, and the 2-1 lead reflects that dominance.

Sam Konstas announced himself in style during the Boxing Day Test, batting with flamboance and aggression. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are back in form, which spells trouble for India. Usman Khawaja, though, has been Australia’s weak link, and he’ll need to step up at the SCG.

With Mitchell Marsh dropped, Beau Webster is set to make his Test debut. Webster’s all-round skills could be the cherry on top of Australia’s already impressive lineup. The bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon, has been firing on all cylinders, and Mitchell Starc has been declared fit to play despite battling a rib niggle.

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AUS vs IND 5th Test Pitch Report: What The SCG Surface Has In Store?

The SCG pitch promises to assist pacers, especially early on. The curator has teased a green-top with a hint of moisture, which means the quicks will be licking their lips. Batters will need to dig in and survive the initial storm before the pitch eases out. The numbers speak for themselves. The average first-innings score here is 318, and teams batting first have won 47 out of 114 Tests. With rain expected on the final two days, the toss will be crucial. The team winning it will likely bat first to take full advantage of the conditions.

AUS vs IND 5th Test: Key Players And Stats

• Travis Head: 625 runs in the last 10 matches, Average: 36.76, SR: 83.89
• Steven Smith: 566 runs in the last 10 matches, Average: 35.38, SR: 48.54
• Yashasvi Jaiswal: 795 runs in the last 10 matches, Average: 44.17, SR: 62.69
• Rishabh Pant: 576 runs in the last 9 matches, Average: 36, SR: 73
• Pat Cummins: 47 wickets in the last 10 matches, ER: 3.14
• Nathan Lyon: 37 wickets in the last 10 matches, ER: 2.94
• Jasprit Bumrah: 46 wickets in the last 9 matches, ER: 2.92
• Ravindra Jadeja: 31 wickets in the last 8 matches, ER: 3.29

AUS vs IND 5th Test: Probable Playing XIs

India's Probable Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj

Australia's Playing XI (Confirmed): Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

AUS vs IND 5th Test: Winner Prediction

Australia are clear favourites to win the fifth Test at the SCG. They have been the better team all series, leading 2-1, and their batters and bowlers are in top form. With India struggling and key players out of sync, the Aussies are definitely the favorites on the green SCG pitch.

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