Mitchell Starc Ruled Out, Cummins To Drop Marsh? Australia's Probable XI For SCG Test

Starc could be sidelined, Marsh might be dropped at SCG [Source: AP]

After securing an emphatic win in the Boxing Day Test at MCG, Australia are all set to take on India in the decider of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The much-awaited clash will be played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. 

Regarding Australia, the hosts could suffer a huge setback, with doubts looming over Mitchell Starc's participation in the SCG Test. Australia are also bothered by Mitchell Marsh's prolonged rough patch, as the veteran all-rounder has let them down on multiple occasions in this BGT. 

So, ahead of the fifth Test in Sydney, let's analyse and find out what Australia's probable playing XI could be for the all-important finale. 

Who Will Come In If Starc Misses Out?

According to the latest reports, Mitchell Starc is struggling with a rib injury, and chances are high that he might be sidelined for the final Test against India in Sydney. Of course, it's fine if he regains fitness before the match day, but if the Australian management decides not to take any risk and rest him for the final encounter, Jhye Richardson might make a much-awaited Test comeback after three years. 

In three Test matches, Richardson has bagged eleven wickets at an average of 22.1 and a strike rate of 48.6. He received a Test recall after Josh Hazlewood's calf strain ruled him out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 

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Beau Webster Likely To Replace Out-Of-Form Mitch Marsh

Mitchell Marsh has had a forgettable journey in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The experienced all-rounder has been a major disappointment for Australia in the middle order, managing only 73 runs at a horrible average of 10.43. 

Furthermore, Marsh's fitness concerns don't make him a trustworthy candidate with the ball. Therefore, the hosts might decide to drop him and rope in Beau Webster for the final Test in Sydney. 

The rest of the Australian lineup will likely be similar to that in the MCG Test, with Sam Konstas, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland playing pivotal roles for the home team. 

Australia's Probable Playing XI For 5th Test vs India

Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc (If not fit then Jhye Richardson), Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

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