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Do Australia have the time – and resources – to seal victory at the MCG?

Charbel Coorey
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Do Australia have the time – and resources – to seal victory at the MCG?

Those who advocate for five-day Tests are having a night out as the MCG Test between Australia and India is set for a thrilling finale. After countless twists and turns in a riveting Boxing Day Test, Australia finished day four leading by 333 with a wicket in hand.

Day four was far from smooth sailing for the hosts. Jasprit Bumrah was at his magnificent best, becoming the first bowler in history to take 200 Test wickets at an average below 20. Mohammed Siraj stood up and the luckless Akash Deep also threatened all day.

Crucially for Australia, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland showed the sort of fight that Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar did a day earlier to lead India’s stirring fightback. Australia’s lower order rescued the team from the depths of 91/6 to the safety of 228/9 to make it probable that the worst result will be 1-1 heading into Sydney.

Questions for Australia – have they left it too late to seal victory at the MCG?

The home side still face a massive test. They will need to take 10 wickets in a single day on an MCG pitch they struggled for penetration on during a frustrating third day’s play. It led to criticism from some parts as to why Pat Cummins didn’t declare and attempt to prize out an Indian wicket or two late on day four, but the extra runs and additional rest for the bowlers will prove a masterstroke if Australia go on and win.

The MCG track is still playing well, but there was a significant number of plays and misses, plus deliveries that hit the batsmen, after movement off the pitch. That’s not typical of your typical road. The ball seamed the most on day four, with 30% of deliveries seaming more than one degree at the 60-over mark of Australia’s second innings according to broadcaster Channel 7’s analysis.

However, the key question is whether Australia have the resources to take advantage given that India bat deep, as seen in the first innings. The new ball is crucial and the hosts can pounce early, but can this attack, in its current form, prize out scalps against an in-form middle-to-lower order when the ball is older? After all, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland looked quite comfortable in their unbroken 55-run partnership spanning 110 balls.

Mitchell Starc was holding his back quite regularly on day three. Plus, his record in the fourth and fifth Tests of a series makes for sorry reading. If he has an off day or struggles with his back complaint, the pressure only increases on Pat Cummins and Scott Boland with Mitchell Marsh unable to deliver the quantity and quality of overs required from an all-rounder. Marsh’s continued selection is one that could come back to bite, with his batting nowhere near compensating for his lack of overs.

This then brightens the spotlight on Nathan Lyon. The offspinner has found the going challenging this series, often unable to find the kind of bite and bounce that has made him successful. The MCG surface had very little in it for Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar on day four, so how much Lyon can extract out of it will make for interesting viewing.

If Australia don’t go on and win, some may point to the decision to bat until the close of day four. However, Australia’s difficult day three would be the more decisive of the two. They spent the entire day’s play in the field after starting proceedings hoping to be batting by tea given India were five down and 310 behind. Huge credit goes to Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, who not only cut the deficit by 127 together, but took so much time out of the game.

So, it seems Pat Cummins and Scott Boland hold the key to a 2-1 series lead. However, the door is proving a little difficult to open. If they can find the kind of movement India did for upwards of 50 overs in Australia’s second innings, the hosts can have India fighting for a draw late. However, whether there is enough penetration in this attack once the ball gets older remains to be seen.

If Australia do end up heading to Sydney 1-1, it isn’t the end of the world, but the pressure ramps up especially if there is the usual, dodgy Sydney weather around. Plus, there is the World Test Championship Final at stake.

One tiny silver lining is Jasprit Bumrah has been run into the ground and it’s a short turnaround to the SCG Test. However, you can’t be banking on Bumrah having a poor Test no matter the circumstances, especially if it’s a must-win match. He’s simply too good.

That being said, it promises to be a fascinating fifth day at the MCG. The anticipation of a final day where all results are possible is unmatched in cricket. If this lives up to the billing, we will be in for an absolute cracker of a finale.

Reactions to South Africa qualifying for WTC Final after thrilling 2-wicket win vs Pakistan in Centurion

Charbel Coorey
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Reactions to South Africa qualifying for WTC Final after thrilling 2-wicket win vs Pakistan in Centurion

South Africa have sealed qualification to the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final after a thrilling, memorable two-wicket win over Pakistan in Centurion. It all looked to be going pearshaped for the hosts as they lost 4/3 to be reduced to 99/8 chasing 148, but Kagiso Rabada (31*) and Marco Jansen (16*) were outstanding under pressure.

Rabada in particular was magnificent. His strokeplay with the stakes so high was reflective of the star he is. He took Pakistan’s seamers on down the ground, and had the class as well including a magnificent cover drive to bring the target down to four runs.

Earlier, Aiden Markram (37) and Temba Bavuma (40) put on 43 runs together after the hosts fell to 19/3. Another 34-run stand between Bavuma and David Bedingham put South Africa in the driving seat. However, a mini-collapse, triggered by the returning Mohammad Abbas and Bavuma’s non-review, put Pakistan on top.

Abbas was superb on his return. Playing his first Test since 2021, Abbas utilised the conditions perfectly. He finished with 6/54 in 19.3 overs, but unfortunately ended up on the losing team.

Pakistan played well. They had their moments. Things were looking good on day three when Babar Azam (50) and Saud Shakeel (84) put on a 69-run stand that had Pakistan effectively 63/3 on a helplful pitch. However, they lost wickets regularly to give South Africa a target of 148, which they may think they should have ended up defending in the end.

Reactions: South Africa qualify for WTC Final in thrilling circumstances

It’s never straightforward with South Africa is it? Needing one win from the two Tests against Pakistan to qualify for the WTC Final, getting the victory in Centurion was so important to avoid the anxiety of a second Test needing a win. No fingernails were left as they got home.

“We going to Lord’s”, posted former South Africa captain Graeme Smith on X as WTC qualification was sealed. “T20 World Cup Final and now the WTC Final. We are getting there, step by exciting step,” wrote AB de Villiers.

Here are some of the other reactions to a thrilling Test.

South Africa now wait to see who will join them in the final at Lord’s. Australia and India are fighting it out in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, with the Australians also travelling to Sri Lanka for two Tests in January.

Reactions to incredible Sam Konstas debut innings on Boxing Day

Charbel Coorey
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Reactions to incredible Sam Konstas debut innings on Boxing Day

Ah, the beauty of youth. The fearlessness. Living without thinking of the consequences.

Sam Konstas arrived on Boxing Day, and how. The Australian selectors called for a different approach to the magnificent Jasprit Bumrah, who has had the better of Australia’s top three in this series. But, surely even they couldn’t have expected this.

After Konstas was beaten numerous times in his opening nine balls, he brought out the reverse ramp against Bumrah, with the ball flying closely over middle and off stump. The tens of thousands at the MCG, plus the commentators, were stunned. This isn’t meant to happen on the first day of a Boxing Day Test. A 19-year-old, on debut, treated the occasion as it was a Christmas backyard match with his family.

Konstas tried ramping again with no luck, but it didn’t stop him. In the seventh over, Konstas scooped and reverse-scooped his way to 14 against Bumrah. He bettered it in the 11th, taking the great bowler for 18, backing away to leg and accessing the ‘V’ and gully region.

India were stunned. Mohammed Siraj had a sledge, and Konstas responded with charging down the track and launching him over midwicket. Also, in one of the moments of the day, Virat Kohli barged into Konstas, confirming the impact the 19-year-old had in the opening exchanges.

Of course, such an approach can’t always come off. It’s frought with risk. Konstas’ contol percentage was 56.9. But, to take on Bumrah the way he did – without thinking of the negative reactions had he been dismissed trying to reverse scoop – took guts. Australia’s top order had been drowning against Bumrah and Konstas took it upon himself to turn the tide.

“I’ll look to keep targeting him,” Konstas said about Bumrah to Fox Cricket during the first drinks break. “Hopefully he might come back on.” A remarkable mindset indeed.

Sam Konstas produces memorable innings on Test debut

In the end, Konstas finished with 60 off 65 balls, enabling the struggling Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne to get into their innings without worrying about the run rate. Both made half centuries of their own.

Many – including Australian Prime Minster Anthony Albanese – reacted to Konstas’ innings which set up the day for the hosts in this crucial Boxing Day Test.

Along with Konstas, Khawaja and Labuschagne, Steve Smith also hit a half-century and ended day one on 68*. India brought things back to reduce Australia to 311/6, but the hosts will be the happier of the teams given the runs on the board and assistance for the bowlers with the new ball.

Scott Boland clone? Team India train ahead of fourth Test, Virat Kohli faces mystery bowler

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan
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Scott Boland clone? Team India train ahead of fourth Test, Virat Kohli faces mystery bowler

The upcoming Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is unarguably the most awaited red-ball game of the year. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 currently 1-1, both teams would want to win this Test and gain the upper hand. The winner of this Test would ensure that they can’t lose the series, with India retaining the trophy.

Virat Kohli batting against ‘Scott Boland clone’ in the MCG nets.

It Is to be noted that the Indian captain was the first batter to be seen in the nets. Moreover, he looked steady and determined. However, Sharma copped a blow on his left knee while training on Sunday, but shall seemingly still be fit to play the fourth Test according to ESPNcricinfo. In the meanwhile, Kohli looked focused and was addressing his issues pertaining to the fourth stump line, where he’s been vulnerable for quite a while now.

Rohit Sharma batting in the nets.

Scott Boland clone – Virat Kohli bats against mystery bowler in MCG nets

However, the most noticeable aspect was the presence of a mystery bowler. A new face was seen bowling to Kohli at full speed. Apparently, it seemed like he was imitating Scott Boland’s bowling action.

In all likelihood, India were using him to negate the threat of Scott Boland at the “G”, and was continuously bowling at Kohli. Thus, the Indian batters didn’t want to take any chances, and faced him in the nets for a pretty long period of time.

An important point to be noted is that Scott Boland has a tremendous record at the MCG. The pacer has picked 10 wickets at an average of 13.8 at his home ground.

Post which, the likes of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill were also seen batting. Despite struggling against the first few balls he faced, India’s number 3 batter of this series slowly found his rhythm, and looked focused later on.

As a matter of fact, even Mohammed Siraj and Akashdeep Singh were seen batting in the nets. Despite the controversial open net session in Adelaide, several fans came to watch India’s net sessions on Saturday and Sunday at the MCG. This is mainly due to the fact that the training nets in Melbourne are located at such a place that enables any passing individual to easily look at it from the top.

Lastly, Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj, Akashdeep and Prasidh Krishna were also seen bowling. As the Karnataka pacer was visibly active throughout the session, there’s a good chance of him featuring in the fourth Test. Recent reports suggest that Krishna shall be replacing Nitish Kumar Reddy in the fourth Test. On first look, the pitch conditions at the MCG seem to be pace-friendly with abundant bounce and seam on offer, but very hot conditions could see the surface settle down quite quickly.

Taking into account Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, the first two days are expected to be bright and sunny, and the possibility of slight drizzles is only expected from day three onwards. However, that too is very unlikely.

With Australia missing out on a win in Brisbane, they’d want to settle the scores, and win the Boxing Day Test. On the other hand, the visitors would be aiming to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by winning the upcoming Test.

How to get Travis Head out? Michael Clarke shares tactics India should use

Charbel Coorey
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How to get Travis Head out? Michael Clarke shares tactics India should use

“How can we get Travis Head out?” is surely one of the top questions asked in India at the moment. After centuries in the World Test Championship and World Cup Finals in 2023, Head has been India’s nemesis again, hitting two centuries in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).

Head and Jasprit Bumrah have been the standout players in the opening three Tests. Bumrah is comfortably the leading wicket-taker (21) and has left the Australian top order with nightmares, but Head has seemingly been batting on a different planet.

Australia’s number five has slammed 409 runs at an average of 81.80 and strike rate of 94.23. Australia’s next-highest scorer is Alex Carey with 162 at 40.50. The rest have found the going very difficult, with Steve Smith’s Gabba hundred a bright spot.

Head above the rest: Australia’s run-scoring in the first three Tests of the BGT

BatsmanRunsAverageStrike rate
Travis Head40981.8094.23
Alex Carey16240.5070.74
Steve Smith12424.8046.44
Marnus Labuschagne8216.4033.19
Nathan McSweeney7214.4033.96
Mitchell Marsh6913.8048.93
Usman Khawaja6312.6046.32

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke shares tips on how to get Travis Head out

Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Michael Clarke said India are getting their tactics wrong. The former Australian captain said the visitors are too defensive, focused on keeping the runs in check rather than actively trying to get Travis Head out.

“At the moment I feel like India are chasing the ball a little bit with Travis Head,” Clarke said. “I think if I’m bowling to Travis Head, I’m being as aggressive as I can early when he first comes to the crease. I’m attacking the stumps. Because of the way he plays, [he] tries to drive balls that are not there at the start of the innings, plays and misses balls.”

Clarke mentioned the importance of bowling at the stumps to Travis Head. Given he can play and miss early, it brings about more modes of dismissal, with Harshit Rana’s wicket of Head at Perth the template.

“A lot of people are like bowl outside off stump; hang it outside off stump, he’s going to nick one,” Clarke continued. “If you do that, you’re taking out LBW, you’re taking out bowled, and you’re probably bringing in caught in the slips or if he can hit one to cover or something like that.

“I would be attacking the stumps. Even go around the wicket and try and get him bowled, LB or nicking one that he’s trying to block. Straight at the pegs. He [Harshit Rana] may have bowled him out in the first Test in Perth like that. Around the wicket, good length, good line, say to Travis Head if you want to play shots, go for your life, we’ve got fielders in position for the one you edge or the one you mistime. If you get one in the middle and it goes in the gap, congratulations.”

How do India get Travis Head out? Australia’s number 5 has been superb this series.

Clarke also went on to say India shouldn’t worry too much about the runs. Getting Travis Head out early before he does too much damage – especially given Australia’s top order struggles – can be crucial to helping India win the series.

“The other thing I wouldn’t be doing to someone like Travis Head is caring about runs,” said Clarke. “I’m not setting a field to protect runs. He’s going to play that way, he’s going to hit fours, he’s going to hit sixes. I don’t care about that. He can get 40 off 20 balls if he’s out. I don’t want him making 140.

“So I’d be thinking ‘how am I getting Travis Head out?’ rather than ‘how am I saving runs?’ At the moment I feel India are looking to put men on the boundary to prevent runs… I’d be attacking the stumps, especially with someone like Bumrah who’s very good around the wicket.”

Australia’s top order worries have prompted them to make a change. Nathan McSweeney was dropped in favour of 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who will look to be as proactive as possible up top. Of course, that is easier said than done against a world class performer in Bumrah, which makes for another fascinating narrative with the series on the line.

The fourth Test kicks off on Boxing Day in scorching hot Melbourne weather. However, unlike the Gabba, rain delays are expected to be at a minimum.

MCG Melbourne weather forecast for 4th BGT AUS vs IND Test

Charbel Coorey
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MCG Melbourne weather forecast for 4th BGT AUS vs IND Test

Anticipation is building for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) after weather played spoilsport at the Gabba, leaving the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series on a knife’s edge at 1-1.

Australia, seeking an improvement on their poor top order returns thus far, have dropped Nathan McSweeney. Sam Konstas is in line for a Test debut, and it will be interesting to see how the Melbourne weather affects the MCG pitch.

Day one is forecast to be a scorcher, with temperatures to touch 40 degrees. This makes winning the toss quite crucial as the surface may wear out quicker due to the heat. India have won all three tosses so far in this series.

MCG Melbourne weather for 4th BGT Test: Conditions look good for the Boxing Day clash

Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au) forecasts sun, wind and a top temperature of 39 degrees on day one – conditions that will be sure to test the players and 90,000-odd spectators. This weather will bake the surface, with any moisture sure to evaporate quite quickly and make for decent batting conditions.

Day two (Friday) is cooler with a top of 25 degrees and 50% chance of showers, but only 0-1mm is forecast at this stage.

MCG Melbourne weather for 4th BGT Test

AccuWeather’s forecast is similar, with rain expected to play a minimal role in the Test. The weather on days 3-5 also look good with top temperatures around 27 degrees. Of course, the Melbourne weather can be unpredictable, but the forecast looks promising.

MCG Melbourne weather for days 3-5 of the 4th BGT Test

Batting last could be tricky at the MCG

Teams batting last have won just three of the past 15 Tests at the MCG, including India by eight wickets in 2020. Batting fourth could be tricky in this Test given the surface should wear out – and potentially have cracks – as sunny and warm conditions will be a common feature throughout the match.

This should bring the spinners into play. Nathan Lyon is having a quiet series so far, and Australia need him to deliver with Mitch Marsh’s limited bowling. For India, Ravindra Jadeja can play a key role given his accuracy.

That being said, the excellent fast bowlers in both teams can take advantage of any wear and cracks that appear, so first innings runs could prove crucial to the final result.

“Mates club” – Australia fans criticise selectors for Nathan McSweeney treatment

Charbel Coorey
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“Mates club” – Australia fans criticise selectors for Nathan McSweeney treatment

Australia fans have criticised George Bailey and the management for dropping Nathan McSweeney ahead of the huge Boxing Day Test against India. McSweeney endured a difficult time particularly against the great Jasprit Bumrah, but so too have Usman Khawaja (4/17 off 71 balls against Bumrah this series) and Marnus Labuschagne (2/6 off 72 balls), both of whom have been under par in this World Test Championship cycle.

McSweeney was selected as opener for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) after a strong run of form in Sheffield Shield cricket since the start of last season. He is a number three or four batsman by trade, but his temperament was enough for Bailey and co. to take a leap of faith.

That he has been dropped after three Tests – including a promising display at Adelaide – has not sat well with many Australian fans. Even former captain Michael Clarke was disappointed with the move. “I think it’s unfair on Nathan. He’s not the only one not making runs. He’s batting in the toughest conditions in Australia against the number one bowler in the world. I feel for him, I really do,” he said on the Beyond 23 podcast.

However, chair of selectors George Bailey believes McSweeney will come good in the future, but the point of difference that Sam Konstas provides is something the selectors wish to try.

“We remain confident Nathan has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future,” said Bailey, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“It was a difficult decision to leave him out. It has clearly been a challenge at the top of the order for batters throughout the series, and we want to provide the option of a different lineup for the next two matches.”

Australia fans accuse team of being a “mates club” following Nathan McSweeney ommission

Fans were quick to point out other underperformers in the Australian team as many believe McSweeney has been made the scapegoat for the top order struggles. 38-year-old Khawaja is averaging 28.3 in his past 20 innings, while Labuschagne averages 27.3 in his last 31 knocks. However, the management prefers their experience and hope they will come good with the series on the line.

Also, Mitchell Marsh has been under par in this series, and his lack of bowling as the all-rounder is in the spotlight.

Bailey wouldn’t confirm Sam Konstas’ place in the XI, but all signs point to a direct swap. Scott Boland for the injured Josh Hazlewood is set to be the other change, with the remainder of the XI expected to remain the same.

The MCG Test is one Australia cannot lose if they wish to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. They must win the series outright. Plus, there is qualification for the World Test Championship Final up for grabs.

Nathan McSweeney could be dropped for Boxing Day Test against India

Charbel Coorey
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Nathan McSweeney could be dropped for Boxing Day Test against India

Nathan McSweeney will be dropped for the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald. Daniel Brettig and Tom Decent previously reported that the selectors could look for a more aggressive option up top to tackle Jasprit Bumrah, who has been dominant in this series with 21 wickets at 10.90.

“According to sources close to the team, speaking on the condition of anonymity, McSweeney’s spot in the XI is not guaranteed for Melbourne after passing 10 just once in six innings,” the initial report read. “Australia may opt for a more proactive approach at the top of the order given Bumrah has been able to dictate terms.”

On Friday morning, Tom Decent and Andrew Wu reported that McSweeney is set to be dropped. “Nathan McSweeney is set to be dropped from Australia’s Test squad for the Boxing Day Test, with NSW young gun Sam Konstas poised for a call-up,” the report read.

“Sources with knowledge of selection, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they do not have permission to discuss selections, have indicated that McSweeney won’t feature for Australia in the fourth Test. The 25-year-old has been informed of the decision.”

Selectors drop Nathan McSweeney for Boxing Day – report

Nathan McSweeney has found the going tough this series, scoring 72 runs in three Tests at an average of 14.40. He has fought hard across 212 balls, doing his best to get through the new ball period and set up a platform for Travis Head, with his effort under lights in Adelaide a promising display.

McSweeney’s start to his Test career is the worst of any Australian opener in the past 40 years. However, he is up against one of the all-time greats. Bumrah has had his number, dismissing him four times for 15 runs in 66 balls.

It is to be noted Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne are also struggling, which would make dropping McSweeney seem the harsh move. Bumrah has dismissed Khawaja four times for 17 runs in 71 balls, with the left-hander scoring a total of 63 runs at 12.60. Labuschagne hasn’t fared much better, with 82 runs in total at 16.40, with returns of 2/6 off 72 balls against Bumrah.

However, captain Pat Cummins defended the returns of the top three. He said their contribution at Adelaide and Brisbane ensured that Head walked out to the pitch in the 41st and 39th over respectively.

“I think the trend in world cricket pretty much all around the world is the top three is a really hard place to bat at the moment,” Cummins said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “Particularly here in Australia, the wickets are tough. I think there’s little snippets that have been important. Again, that first innings, Trav walks in 35 overs into the game, I think that makes a big difference, the same in Adelaide. Obviously they [the top three] would be hoping to score more runs, we’d like them to score more runs, but I think they have made some important contributions that others have benefited from.”

Sam Konstas to play – report

There are calls for young gun Sam Konstas to come into the squad and open. The 19-year-old is enjoying a fine season so far. This includes hitting twin hundreds in a Sheffield Shield game, hitting an unbeaten 73* against India A at the MCG, smacking 107 against India in a tour game in Canberra and then hammering 56 off 27 balls on BBL debut.

According to Ben Horne for CODE Sports, Konstas is on the verge of an Australian squad callup. “A behind-the-scenes push to overhaul Australia’s struggling top order has put Sam Konstas in the frame to be called into the squad for the Boxing Day Test,” read the post on X.

Whether Konstas can have success against Bumrah and co. remains to be seen. But, his more attacking approach could be what the selectors are after. It adds to the already interesting narratives building ahead of Boxing Day. Debates are rife as to which team has the upper hand heading into the all-important fourth Test.

Australia cannot lose. If India win, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will remain with them once again, prolonging Australia’s wait which stretches back to the start of the 2017 series.

Reactions to Gabba BGT Draw: Which team has the upper hand before the 4th Test at the MCG?

Charbel Coorey
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Reactions to Gabba BGT Draw: Which team has the upper hand before the 4th Test at the MCG?

The third Test at the Gabba had many narratives, talking points and possible scenarios, but rain ultimately had the final say with the match ending in a draw. It was a frustrating five days with a seemingly infinite number of rain delays as the Brisbane weather would not relent.

Australia were on top for the majority of the Test. Centuries to Travis Head and Steve Smith drove a strong first innings, with Alex Carey then taking the hosts to 445. It was then a case of “what ifs” for the Australians, with Steve Smith’s drop on the first ball of day four and Josh Hazlewood’s injury making their quest for victory all the more difficult.

Pat Cummins’ team still had hope of enforcing the follow on with India 233 behind and nine down, but Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah saw them to safety following a fine innings from Ravindra Jadeja. Deep’s boundary to take his team past the follow on mark sparked celebrations and perhaps a renewed sense of belief in the Indian camp, reflected in their bowling effort as they ripped through Australia’s lineup on day five, although the hosts were on the search for quick runs.

Australian offspinner Nathan Lyon saw it in a different way. “There’s a few of us who spoke about [how we’re] surprised about their reaction [to passing the follow on]. We have played well and driven the game to where we are,” he said on Fox Cricket.

So, it has led to a debate. Which team is better placed to take out this series? India would be thrilled with the 1-1 scoreline heading into the MCG and SCG Tests. In fact, the tourists have not lost at either ground in each of their last three visits. Also, India would feel they have Australia’s measure, with just Travis Head standing in their way.

However, Australia too have reason for optimism. They dominated much of the Gabba Test and while India have performed admirably in the last two BGT series downunder, the absence of a rock – most notably Cheteshwar Pujara – puts pressure on the current top order to perform. Plus, there is still an over-reliance on the great Bumrah with the ball, although Akash Deep showed more than enough promise to be considered a factor in Melbourne.

Reactions to the Gabba draw: How will the 2024/25 BGT pan out?

There are various (interesting) points of view as to who holds the upper hands. Scott Boland is set to return to the XI at his beloved MCG, and will be sure to test the Indian lineup. Of course, the Australians have their own concerns. It shapes up as an interesting fourth Test.

Looking for a cricket podcast? Check out The CricBlog Podcast hosted by an Australian and Indian fan covering the great game

Marcus Stoinis interview – chance for me to bring silverware to Punjab Kings

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan
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Marcus Stoinis interview – chance for me to bring silverware to Punjab Kings

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that Marcus Stoinis is one of the most explosive all-rounders of this era. Melbourne Stars recently appointed him as their new skipper. As the star all-rounder has now taken the captaincy duties from Glenn Maxwell, a lot is expected from him. Moreover, as the Stars are yet to win a BBL title, Stoinis would want to break the jinx, and lead the Melbourne-based franchise to their maiden triumph.

An important point to be noted is that the Stoinis-led side played the season opener without some of their star players like Glenn Maxwell, Ben Duckett and Usama Mir. While the former Stars skipper is yet to recover from his injuries, Duckett and Mir have their international and domestic commitments respectively before eventually joining the men in green.

During an exclusive interview with Arvind Kalyana Krishnan, Marcus Stoinis drew light on Melbourne Stars’ batting lineup for this season. He expressed his excitement over the prospect of having Ben Duckett in their side. Duckett has been participating in the three-match Test series in New Zealand and thus, hasn’t joined the Melbourne-based franchise just yet.

Further on, while speaking to Arvind Kalyana Krishnan during a media presser in Melbourne, Stoinis expressed his happiness over being picked by the Punjab Kings during the recently-concluded IPL 2025 Auction. He was excited to reunite with Ricky Ponting once again. Stoinis was with Ponting at the Delhi Capitals in 2020 and 2021. The all-rounder also stated that Ponting managed to get the best out of him and thus, was looking forward to representing the Punjab-based franchise in IPL 2025.

As for the Indian T20 league, Stoinis has been one of the best all-rounders over there for quite a while now. His exploits for Lucknow Super Giants during the previous editions prompted Punjab Kings to fetch him during the auction.

Keen to join Ricky Ponting at Punjab Kings – Marcus Stoinis

Below is the video and transcript of the Stoinis interview.

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: As far as Ben Duckett is concerned, he’s been in amazing form. So how excited are you to have him?

Marcus Stoinis: Yeah, we’re excited to have him obviously. He was our first pick and he’s going to play a big role there for us at the top of the order. So we got Joe Clarky right now and then Benny Duckett is gonna come and fill that space when he’s available. He’s been very consistent. He’s come into his own. He hits the ball into different areas, he brings a different aspect to our team as well. He hits the ball behind the wicket, and plays spin very well so yeah, there’s a reason he was our first pick and we’re excited to have him.

Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: And Punjab picked you during the IPL auction. So how excited are you to work with Ricky Ponting again?

Marcus Stoinis: Yeah, Ricky’s my man (smiles). It’s no secret for the cricket circles that I’ve enjoyed working with him…..on a few occasions, and he’s got the best out of me, so that’s exciting. Also exciting that we’ve got a lot of Aussie boys there and a lot of teammates that I’ve played with in Western Australia and Australia, so the setup looks good. It’s a new team for me and it’s a chance to bring some silverware home for a team that hasn’t won anything yet either.

Melbourne Stars lost their first match away to Perth Scorchers to kick off BBL 14. They have a quick turnaround as they host the defending champions Brisbane Heat at the MCG on Wednesday, December 18.

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