The excitement surrounding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 continues to build as the series between cricketing giants India and Australia stands poised at 1-1 after three thrilling Tests. Starting with an impressive 295-run victory at the Optus Stadium in Perth, India made history by becoming the first team to triumph at this venue. However, Australia swiftly retaliated with a commanding 10-wicket win in Adelaide, leveling the series. The third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw due to rain disruptions, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the forthcoming Boxing Day Test.
With the fourth Test set to kick off at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26, both teams have experienced significant shake-ups in their squads. Following the Brisbane Test, celebrated all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin announced his unexpected retirement from international cricket, paving the way for Mumbai’s Tanush Kotian, who has been called up to the senior national side for the first time. Conversely, Australia has opted to drop opener Nathan McSweeney in favor of debutant Sam Konstas, while the injured Josh Hazlewood has been replaced by fit-again pacer Jhye Richardson.
The head-to-head records between these two cricketing powers reveal that they have met in 110 Test matches, with Australia claiming 46 victories compared to India’s 33 wins. Tensions will rise as they prepare for high-stakes encounters, including the intriguing matchup between Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Australian speedster Mitchell Starc. Jaiswal has faced Starc 104 times, scoring 74 runs; however, Starc has gotten the better of him on four occasions—a statistic that always adds an extra layer of drama.
Another pivotal battle to watch will be between Jasprit Bumrah and Travis Head. Bumrah has dismissed Head four times, and with Head scoring 133 runs in their previous encounters, this duel could be crucial to the outcome of the Test.
Fans can catch this riveting contest live on Star Sports Network, while streaming options are available through the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. The match will commence at 5:00 PM IST on Boxing Day, creating an atmosphere brimming with anticipation.
Likely Playing XIs:
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland