Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Australia vs India 4th Test Preview + Dream11
“If India don’t win this series, they’ll never win in Australia.”
This statement held true at the start of the series, and it undoubtedly holds true now. Virat Kohli’s men were so dominant at the MCG that anything other than an India win in Sydney will be a surprise. However, both sides have made changes to their squads, and a big key will be how well the replacement players justify their selection.
Australia’s selections at times this series has mirrored some of their batting efforts. Yes, it is slim pickings on the domestic scene right now, but when two players – Joe Burns and Glenn Maxwell – average over 40, they should be in the side. Nevertheless, there is a series to save, and a record to upkeep, so the Australians have to put in a much better showing than the Melbourne shocker.
India will indeed never get a better chance to win a series in Australia. They were dominant right through the Boxing Day Test, and even with a couple of changes, will be looking for the same efficiency. The toss could prove crucial in this Test, but they are capable of hurting Australia even if they bat second, such is the quality of their main performers. The two Sharma’s – Rohit and Ishant – are out, but India still have enough talent to deliver the goods. Will the drought finally end?
Key to an Australia win
The ICC rated the MCG pitch as “average”, but that could have easily been mistaken for Australia’s batting effort. Lack of belief and temperament was on show in the Boxing Day Test, highlighted by a dreadful 151 all out followed by eight double figure scores in the second innings for just the one half century.
Australia is crying out for a hundred. No player has scored a century yet in this series, which has been central to their demise in comparison to the strong Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli. Usman Khawaja will likely open the batting with Aaron Finch said to be dropped, and has a good record in the position, on show in his excellent series in the UAE in October. He has been a disappointment, and must step up, along with Shaun Marsh, Marcus Harris and Travis Head, who have all shown promise without great substance. Also, can Marnus Labuschagne prove to be a great selection?
However, batting is not only the headache for Australia. Three of Australia’s bowling quartet averaged more than 40 against top six batsmen in 2018, with Pat Cummins the shining light. Cummins will be key again with bat and ball, but Australia needs greater impact from Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who are under par at the moment. Can they get the ball swinging with both new and old ball on a pitch expected to take turn? Can Nathan Lyon repeat his heroics from Perth? What control can Marcus Labuschagne bowl with? Will it be the Test Australia’s bowlers get the better of India?
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is gone, but stopping India from winning their first series down under should be cause for huge motivation for Australia.
ALSO READ: Light hearted Australia vs India 3rd Test Player Ratings!
Key to an India win
The loss of Ishant Sharma, one of the most improved bowlers in the last two years, is a blow for India. However, Jasprit Bumrah as the leader of the attack is an exciting prospect for India, which is incredible to think given he made his Test debut just less than a year ago. He has been relentless, having the ball on a string, and finally rewarded with the huge wickets in Melbourne.
However, while Mohammed Shami has also been strong, the cohesiveness of India’s attack will come under the microscope. Umesh Yadav, poor in Perth, is in the 13-man squad. If he plays, he must provide much greater support. However, conditions have been very warm in Sydney in recent weeks, and will be warm again during the Test, which will assist the spinners. Ravi Ashwin is still a chance of playing, and his partnership with Ravindra Jadeja against a side suspect against spin is a good prospect for India. If Ashwin isn’t fit, is Kuldeep the better Yadav option?
Also, can India’s batting deliver one final strong showing? Cheteshwar Pujara has been India’s rock, with Virat Kohli also delivering runs in the last two Tests. These two will undoubtedly be key again, but like the bowling, can India put together a cohesive effort? KL Rahul is back in the squad and must provide a strong foil to the impressive Mayank Agarwal. Ajinkjya Rahane is still producing underwhelming results for a player of his class, and has to step up in a crucial game for India.
Possible Playing XIs
Australia have reportedly dropped Aaron Finch and Mitchell Marsh, with Peter Handscomb and Marnus Labuschagne to come into the side.
Australia XI: 1. Marcus Harris, 2. Usman Khawaja, 3. Shaun Marsh, 4. Peter Handscomb, 5. Marnus Labuschagne, 6. Travis Head, 7. Tim Paine (c & wk), 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood
India have picked a 13-man squad for the Sydney Test. A decision on Ravichandran Ashwin will be made in the morning. If he is fit, expect him to partner Ravindra Jadeja. KL Rahul will likely replace Rohit Sharma, with Hanuma Vihari to move back to the middle order.
India XI: 1. Mayank Agarwal, 2. KL Rahul, 3. Cheteshwar Pujara, 4. Virat Kohli (c), 5. Ajinkya Rahane, 6. Hanuma Vihari, 7. Rishabh Pant (wk), 8. Ravindra Jadeja, 9. Ravichandran Ashwin/Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Mohammed Shami, 11. Jasprit Bumrah
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Dream11 Prediction
The SCG Pitch is expected to have good carry early, with spin to take effect later in the Test as the weather continues to be hot. Below my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.
ALSO READ: Light hearted Australia vs India 3rd Test Player Ratings!
- Batting linchpins Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara make my side.
- Usman Khawaja has a good record opening the batting, but his form is too shaky. Mayank Agarwal was excellent on debut in Melbourne. He and Harris offer good value.
- Travis Head is Australia’s leading run scorer. Ravindra Jadeja is a must.
- Pat Cummins (VC) plays as an all-round option. Nathan Lyon is important to have on a pitch expected to turn.
- Also, the SCG pitch could help with reverse swing. Mohammed Shami is a dangerous exponent of this, and not much more needs to be said about the excellent Jasprit Bumrah.
Stats and Facts
- India have never won a Test series in Australia.
- Since the last Test of the Ashes series against England, only one Australia batsman has made a century (Usman Khawaja).
- Jasprit Bumrah needs six wickets to beat Kapil Dev’s record for most wickets in a series by an Indian pacer in Australia.
Prediction
Ishant Sharma is a loss for India, but they still have the resources to take this out.
Heart hopes Australia win the toss, but, India is likelier of the two sides to hold their own if they lose the toss. India to win and take the series 3-1.
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Australia vs India 4th Test Preview + Dream11
