The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is set to host the high-stakes 4th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, where India and Australia clash in one of the fiercest rivalries in cricket. With the series delicately poised at 1-1, the Boxing Day Test promises to be a blockbuster contest as both teams aim to seize the upper hand. For India, it’s a do-or-die match as they strive to keep their World Test Championship (WTC) final hopes alive. Meanwhile, Australia will look to dominate at home and have a 2-1 lead.
Rohit Sharma back as opener, KL Rahul at number three, question mark over Washington Sundar and Sam Konstas’ debut—a lot of things to look forward to. But now, the focus Whether you’re a passionate supporter or a fantasy cricket enthusiast, this Boxing Day Test is one you can’t afford to miss. Read on for detailed analysis, pitch reports, and tips to create a winning Dream11 team.
India vs Australia: IND vs AUS Match details
- Match: India vs Australia, 4th Test, Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Boxing Day Test
- Date and Time: Thursday, December 26–30, 2024, 10:30 AM Local / 05:00 AM IST
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne
India vs Australia: IND vs AUS: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The MCG has a reputation for favoring bowlers with its bounce and seam movement, but batters can thrive with disciplined shot-making. Curator Matt Page has left 6mm of grass on the pitch, meaning early movement for seamers. Expect a surface that quickens up on Day 1 due to sizzling temperatures of 40°C, with mild showers predicted on Day 2.
Melbourne Cricket Ground Stats – Tests
| Statistic | Detail |
| First Test Match | 15/03/1877 |
| Last Test Match | 26/12/2023 |
| Matches Played | 116 |
| Matches Won by Home Side | 67 (57.76%) |
| Matches Won by Touring Side | 32 (27.59%) |
| Matches Won Batting First | 57 (48.72%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 42 (35.90%) |
| Matches Drawn | 17 (14.66%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 307 R M Cowper (Australia) 11/02/1966 v England |
| Best Bowling (Innings) | 9/86 Sarfraz Nawaz (Pakistan) 10/03/1979 v Australia |
| Best Bowling (Match) | 15/124 W Rhodes (England) 01/01/1904 v Australia |
| Highest Team Innings | 624/8 dec (Australia) 26/12/2016 v Pakistan |
| Lowest Team Innings | 36 (South Africa) 12/02/1932 v Australia |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 332/7 (England) 29/12/1928 v Australia |
| Average Opening Stand (Runs) | 34.29 |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 29.86 |
| Average Runs per Over | 2.91 |
| Average Score Batting First | 306 |
Australia: Team Preview and Probable XI
Australia has confirmed their XI, with debutant Sam Konstas and the reliable Scott Boland returning. Their top-order woes persist, but Travis Head’s fitness boost is a relief.
Australia Probable XI:
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Konstas
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steven Smith
- Travis Head (VC)
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
Key Players to Watch:
- Steve Smith: Dependable at No. 4, has scored 1093 runs at 78.07 at MCG.
- Scott Boland: A master of exploiting MCG conditions.
- Travis Head: India’s arch-nemesis, has averaged a whopping 81 in the ongoing BGT.
More on BGT
India: Team Preview and Probable XI
India faces selection dilemmas, especially at No. 8, but will rely on Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul to lead their respective departments. The batting lineup needs a collective effort to counter Australia’s fiery pace attack.
India Probable XI:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rohit Sharma
- KL Rahul
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Shubman Gill/ Druv Jurel
- Nitish Reddy/Washington Sundar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Akash Deep
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
Key Players to Watch:
- KL Rahul: Has shown consistency; critical to India’s fortunes. KL Rahul has been India’s best batter so far.
- Jasprit Bumrah (vc): India’s strike bowler, just six wickets away from 200 in Tests. He is unplayable.
- Rishabh Pant: Pant hasn’t fired in all cylinders but is a man of big occasions.
Dream11 Fantasy Prediction for IND vs AUS: India vs Australia
To maximize points, focus on pacers and top-order batters, given the conditions. For the MCG’s conditions, focus on pacers, all-rounders, and middle-order batters.
IND vs AUS 2024/25: Where to watch BGT, India vs Australia in India
The rights for all matches in Australia is with the StarSports Network. Hence, all matches of the IND vs. AUS Border-Gavaskar Test (BGT) series, including the Boxing Day Test, will be streamed live on the Disney+ Hotstar app.
IND vs AUS Session timings
The first session will start at 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM IST, followed by a lunch break from 7:00 AM to 7:40 AM IST. The second session will run from 7:40 AM to 9:40 AM IST, after which there will be a tea break for 20 minutes, from 9:40 AM to 10:00 AM IST. The third session will then conclude the day’s play, starting at 10:00 AM and running until 12:00 PM IST.
IND vs AUS Head-to-Head at MCG
| Total Matches | 14 |
| Australia Wins | 8 |
| India Wins | 4 |
| Drawn Matches | 2 |
India vs Australia Head to Head
| Matches | 110 |
| Australia Wins | 46 |
| India Wins | 33 |
| Drawn Matches | 30 |
| Ties | 1 |
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