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Boxing Day Test: 3 Reasons Why India Are Favourites To Beat Australia In 4th BGT Test

Anurag Dasgupta

India favourites to beat Australia [Source: AP Photos]India favourites to beat Australia [Source: AP Photos]

After a topsy-turvy Test match at the Gabba, the caravan moves towards Melbourne as the India Vs Australia rivalry will re-writes its rivalry in the Boxing-Day Test match, starting from December 26.

Australia dominated the proceedings for the majority of the 3rd Test, however, towards the end of Day 4, the lower-order put up a fight and by the end of lunch on Day 5, India had the upper hand. However, rain god had some other plans as the match got abandoned and both the teams had to settle for a draw.

Despite a drawn game, India will take a lot of confidence heading into the 4th Test match in Melbourne and here are 3 reasons as to why they will defeat the Australian team to take a lead in the series.

3) They will take confidence from inspired showing at Gabba

The first day at Gabba was washed out, but day two and three belonged to the Australian team. However, after the resilience shown by the Indian side on Day 4 and 5, Australia have mentally being pushed on the back-foot.

On Day 5 at Gabba, if rain hadn't arrived, India might have won the contest, which would have dented Australia's confidence. When the chips were down, the Indian side showed exemplary skills and the hunger to comeback which will give them loads of confidence heading into MCG.

2) MCG surface will suit the Indian team more

Over the years, MCG has been a happy hunting ground for India and they haven't lost a Test match here for the last 12-years. In 2014, they drew the game, and in 2018 and 2020, Team India demolished the Aussies at the MCG.

Plus, unlike Gabba or Perth, MCG uses drop in pitches and the conditions will be un-Australian, favouring the Indian batters. The ball won't bounce as much as it does in other Aussie venues, and this will play in India's hands.

1) The Bumrah factor terrorises Australia

"Australia cannot play Bumrah." In the three Tests, he has 22 wickets to his name and irrespective of the conditions, the Indian seamer has delivered the goods. He was once again the point of difference at the Gabba, picking up 8 wickets, and will be the X-factor in MCG as well.

Australian batters have found it hard to tackle him, and they will severely be undercooked against a wily Bumrah at MCG, where he can once again use his skills to win the Boxing-Day contest.