Australia will most likely be forced to make a couple of changes to their playing XI for IND vs AUS 5th Test in Sydney. The hosts will be entering into the final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with an upper hand, having gained a 2-1 lead after handing India a 184-run thrashing in Melbourne. While Josh Hazlewood has already been ruled out, Mitchell Starc is likely to miss the game at the SCG as he awaits the reports of his back scans.
Predicted Australia XI for IND vs AUS 5th Test
- Sam Konstas
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey
- Pat Cummins
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
- Jhye Richardson
No Mitchell Starc threat for IND vs AUS 5th Test?
Starc was seen grimacing in discomfort while bowling in Australia’s 2nd innings in Melbourne. Later, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald revealed that the pacer had issues with his back. Reports had claimed that a decision on Starc’s inclusion in the playing XI will only be made on January 2 or on the first day of the match. Should he be ruled out, then it would be of great advantage to India as Australia will enter the contest with just one veteran pacer in the form of skipper Pat Cummins. Jhye Richardson, who was included in the squad before 4th Test, is likely to replace Starc. The other pacer in Australia’s line-up will be Scott Boland, who is expected to retain his place in the playing XI after a stellar show at the MCG.
| Match | Bowl |
|---|---|
| 4th Test | 0/86 & 1/25 |
| 3rd Test | 3/83 & 0/4 |
| 2nd Test | 6/48 & 2/60 |
| 1st Test | 2/14 & 1/111 |
Latest news
- IND vs AUS 5th Test LIVE: Jasprit Bumrah strikes again, Labuschagne departs for 2
- IND vs AUS 5th Test: What time India vs Australia Day 2 start
- 3 players who can leave Liverpool in Winter Transfer Window
- ISL Top Scorers: Check out latest updated top scorers in Indian Super League (ISL 2024-25) standings
- SA20 2025 start date, schedule, timing & venues
Mitchell Marsh to get the axe?
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh is at the risk of losing his spot in the XI after coming under the fire for sub-par performances so far in the series. While he hasn’t been tasked to deliver with the ball so far, Marsh has consistently flopped in all four Tests so far. Coach McDonald threw his weight behind Marsh, defending him from the criticism over his fitness. However, it is likely that he will lose his place in the side and will be replaced by middle-order batter Beau Webster.
| Match | Bat | Bowl |
|---|---|---|
| 4th Test | 4 & 0 | 0/28 & 0/2 |
| 3rd Test | 5 & 2 | 0/6 |
| 2nd Test | 9 | 0/26 |
| 1st Test | 6 & 47 | 2/12 & 1/65 |
Strong top-order
Australia are expected to retain Sam Konstas in the playing XI after his memorable debut at the MCG. The 19-year-old showed promising signs with his fearless attitude in taking on Jasprit Bumrah and co. and impressed with his innovative and aggressive ability to play shots. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith have rediscovered their golden touch and comprise of a formidable middle-order for the hosts along with Travis Head.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
IND vs AUS 5th Test LIVE: Jasprit Bumrah strikes again, Labuschagne departs for 2
Top Stories
