IND vs AUS 4th Test Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

India will face Australia at the MCG for the 4th Test [Source: AP Photos]

After the high-pitched 3rd Test that took place 7 days ago, India will be facing Australia again on the 4th Boxing Day Test at MCG. With the series tied 1-1, the stakes are high for the match. The match will begin on December 26 at 5:00 AM IST and will end on December 30 as per the fixture.

IND vs AUS 4th Test: Match Details And Live Streaming

IND vs AUS 4th Test: Rohit likely to open as India aims to gain lead at MCG

Following a rain-affected draw in Brisbane, India and Australia are locked at 1-1 in the series. After a string of subpar performances, both Kohli and Rohit will be eager to find form at the MCG. While Rohit hasn't confirmed a return to the batting order, opening with Jaiswal could reignite his form. Meanwhile, if Rahul comes down at three, it will allow Kohli to anchor at number four. 

With Ashwin retired, Washington Sundar is likely to partner Jadeja in spin. The pace attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, looks formidable. With all departments firing, India aims to regain the series lead in Melbourne and continue the winning streak as the 'Men in Blue' last lost a Test at MCG back in 2011.

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IND vs AUS Head To Head Record Ahead Of The 4th Test At MCG

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IND vs AUS 4th Test: Australia ready to ride red hot form at MCG

The Aussies have made a couple of changes to their XI, with teenage sensation Sam Konstas making his debut, replacing Nathan McSweeney. Meanwhile, Scott Boland fills in for the injured Josh Hazlewood. However, all eyes will be on Travis Head, who will be eager to continue his impressive form after a recent injury scare. Though Head's records at MCG has not been good, his recent stellar form might turn the table this time. Konstas might also be a key player for the Baggy Greens in the top order with his firepower.

The pace attack will be led by Mitchell Starc, while Scott Boland's return adds experience and a potent swing-bowling option. Nathan Lyon will head the spin department and will be tricky for Indian batters to handle. With the Aussies having a strong record of winning at MCG, a hard-fought battle is on the cards.

IND vs AUS 4th Test: How will Melbourne Cricket Ground Pitch Behave?

The Melbourne Cricket Ground has seen a recent shift towards seam-friendly wickets, resulting in six consecutive result-oriented Boxing Day Tests. Players can expect a pace-friendly pitch with seam movement and bounce. High temperatures will likely dry the pitch, favouring batters initially. However, the track might deteriorate from day three, potentially bringing spinners and hit-the-deck bowlers into play. With these conditions in the play, the toss-winner will likely choose to bat first.

IND vs AUS 4th Test: Key Players And Stats

• Travis Head: 346 runs in last 10 innings at MCG; Average 34.; SR 48.6
• Nathan Lyon: 45 wickets in 25 innings at MCG; Economy Rate of 3.21; Bowling SR 62.4
• Mitchell Starc: 28 wickets in 15 innings at MCG; Economy Rate of 3.41; Bowling SR 52.4
• Yashasvi Jaiswal: 1,600 runs in 32 Test innings; 68.0 SR; 8 half-centuries; 4 centuries
• Virat Kohli: 316 runs in 6 innings at MCG; 52.6 SR; 1 century; 2 half-centuries; Average 52.7
• Jasprit Bumrah: 15 wickets in 4 innings at MCG; Economy Rate of 2.52; Bowling SR 31.1
• Australia won 8 matches at MCG out of 14 they played against India. 2 matches resulted in a draw.

IND vs AUS 4th Test: Probable Playing XIs

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

Australia (confirmed XI): Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

IND vs AUS 4th Test: Winner Prediction

Boasting a formidable batting and bowling lineup, the Indian team appears well-equipped to counter Australia's challenges. However, the Australians have been grappling with several changes along with fresh faces in the match, leaving them somewhat on the backfoot. Hence, even though India's performance at Gabba was sub-par, they are the favourites to clinch the Boxing Day Test.

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Melbourne Cricket Ground Pitch Report For India vs Australia 4th Test

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