This is a pivotal moment. If India triumphs at the MCG, they secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. On the other hand, a win for Australia would keep them on course for their first series victory against India in a decade. A loss for the hosts would spark serious scrutiny, while a defeat for India would leave their World Test Championship (WTC) destiny out of their control, though they could still retain the trophy. With favorable weather predicted and the ground’s recent history, a draw seems improbable. Whatever happens on Boxing Day will likely unfold before a crowd exceeding 90,000 spectators.
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Australia vs India 4th Test: Preview
It’s been just six days since the damp conclusion at the Gabba, yet much has unfolded since then. Judging by the circumstances, one might think India has the upper hand, especially with Australia forced to reshuffle their opening order in response to Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance. This adjustment paves the way for an extraordinary debut by 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who steps in after only 11 first-class matches.
On Christmas morning at the MCG, Travis Head finally emerged to bat—albeit quite late in the morning—putting an end to the media’s patient wait. His arrival was the final piece of Australia’s team puzzle, with Sam Konstas already confirmed as the teenage debutant for Boxing Day and Scott Boland named as Josh Hazlewood’s replacement.
The anticipation stemmed from Andrew McDonald’s revelation the previous day that Head, a vital cog in Australia’s batting lineup, was managing a quad strain. All eyes were on whether he would make it to the nets, and there was collective relief when he did, even if he seemed a bit puzzled by the attention.
Once Head completed his session and Pat Cummins later confirmed his availability for the fourth Test, the tense atmosphere eased. The MCG returned to its festive mood, with families and children enjoying the outfield’s vast spaces, soaking up the Christmas spirit.
Meanwhile, it’s been an eventful week for the visitors as well. Virat Kohli had a heated exchange with a reporter at Melbourne airport, Ravindra Jadeja caused a stir by answering press conference questions exclusively in Hindi, and whispers of a conspiracy arose after India was reportedly provided with used practice pitches at the MCG.
On the cricketing front, India continues to search for reliable support for Jasprit Bumrah and improved performances from their underperforming top order. Personnel changes in the batting lineup seem unlikely, leaving the team hoping someone steps up to emulate KL Rahul’s example.
The last two Tests haven’t featured much extended play: Adelaide ended within a session on the third day, while rain disrupted proceedings in Brisbane. Despite Australia’s dominance since Perth, the series remains locked at 1-1, leaving little margin for error.
Australia’s top order faces mounting pressure, highlighted by the decision to drop Nathan McSweeney for Sam Konstas at this critical juncture. Senior batters Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne are yet to find form, while Travis Head, despite a quad niggle in Brisbane, has been a game-changer. Steven Smith’s century was a crucial contribution, and by the end, he appeared in excellent touch.
Australia’s pace-bowling depth could be pivotal, with Scott Boland returning to a ground where he famously took 6 for 7 against England in 2021-22. However, Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s trump card, capable of single-handedly influencing the game. Notably, India hasn’t lost a Test at the MCG since 2011, adding another layer of intrigue to this encounter.
A day earlier, it was a 19-year-old who stole the spotlight with every move he made around the MCG, as he’s set to do again on Boxing Day. Sam Konstas’ highly anticipated debut in the Baggy Green is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about moments in Australian cricket in years. Pat Cummins, recalling his own Test debut as an 18-year-old 13 years ago, couldn’t help but heap praise on the young opener.
“I remember as an 18-year-old thinking, ‘I’ve got a lot more leeway because I’m young.’ I felt like if I didn’t have a great game, it wasn’t my fault but the selectors’ fault for picking me. I thought, ‘Well, they’re the ones who picked an 18-year-old!’” Cummins said with a laugh. “It’s Boxing Day, it doesn’t get better than this. Just enjoy the moment.”
Cummins’ advice resonates not just for the young New South Welshman but for everyone stepping onto the field in front of 92,000 fans on a scorching 40-degree day at the MCG. The stage is perfect—not just because of the setting, but because of the stakes. With the series locked at 1-1, the pressure is immense.
For Australia, a loss would mean their wait to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy stretches to at least 13 years, with the next series against India scheduled for 2027 on Indian soil. For India, a defeat would not only make this series even more dramatic but also deliver a severe blow to their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final. It doesn’t get bigger than this.
Australia vs India 4th Test: Recent Form
Australia: DWLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
India: DLWLL
Australia vs India 4th Test: Head-to-head
- Matches Played – 110
- Matches Won by Australia – 46
- Matches Won by India – 33
- Matches Lost by Australia – 32
- Matches Lost by India – 46
- Matches Drawn – 30
- Matches Tied – 1
Australia vs India 4th Test: Weather Report & Pitch Conditions as Scorching heat on Boxing Day
The MCG pitch, a haven for pace bowlers in recent years, has once again come under the spotlight. Curator Matt Page has confirmed he will stick to the proven formula of leaving around 6mm of grass on the surface. While traditionally a pitch where teams prefer to bowl first, Australia coach Andrew McDonald noted that the conditions might shift expectations this time. With opening-day temperatures expected to soar to 40 degrees Celsius, the pitch could quicken earlier than usual. Although showers are forecast for the second day, the remainder of the Test promises fine weather and milder temperatures from day three onwards.
This could turn out to be one of the hottest Boxing Days in recent memory, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the toss and team strategies. Should the captains opt to bat first, mindful of the weather, on a pitch that has favored seamers since 2021—famously when Scott Boland dismantled England—or back their bowlers to exploit the conditions and seize an early advantage?
With minimal rain expected over the five days, the Test’s duration is also up for debate. Regardless, the atmosphere at the MCG will be electric, the crowd loud, and the energy around the iconic venue at an all-time high.
Australia vs India 4th Test: Team News and Predicted XI
Australia – Team News
Konstas’ debut was confirmed on Christmas Eve, while Boland will replace the injured Josh Hazlewood. Head passed a fitness test on Christmas Day after suffering a quad strain at the Gabba.
Australia doesn’t often see Test debutants, so Konstas’ arrival on the big stage will be a significant moment. However, it’s not just about the new faces, but also how Australia’s struggling top-order responds to the relentless challenge posed by Jasprit Bumrah. Boland, on the other hand, will slot back in effortlessly, especially at the MCG, a venue where he has consistently thrived. The Victorian crowd will come alive every time Scotty has the ball, and he rarely lets them down.
Australia – Predicted XI
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Konstas
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Mitchell Starc
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
India – Team News
As has been the case throughout this series, there’s plenty of intrigue surrounding the composition of the Indian team heading into this Test, not just in terms of who will play, but also where they’ll bat. Rohit Sharma remained tight-lipped when asked if he would stay in the middle-order, though new reports suggest he could return to the opening slot, with KL Rahul moving to No. 3.
There’s also speculation about the possibility of playing two spinners, which could see Washington Sundar replace Nitish Kumar Reddy, or even Shubman Gill, who has yet to find form in this series after missing the first Test in Perth. We’ll soon find out either way.
India – Predicted XI
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Washington Sundar
- Nitish Kumar Reddy/Washington Sundar
- Akash Deep
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah
Australia vs India 4th Test: Players Under the Spotlight
Australia – Usman Khawaja
Usman Khawaja is nearing the end of his leanest Test year since 2013, when he averaged just 19.00 from three matches. In 2024, he has scored 337 runs at an average of 24.07, with only one fifty to his name. However, the Australian camp believes that he is simply out of runs, not out of form, drawing parallels to Steven Smith before his century at the Gabba. Khawaja has mentioned having next year’s Ashes in his sights, with a potential conclusion at the SCG in just over a year. However, whether he reaches that point may depend on his performances in the upcoming two Tests and the Sri Lanka series.
India – Virat Kohli
One Indian cricket legend has already retired during this series, and speculation is growing about who might be next. Virat Kohli ended his century drought with a second-innings knock in Perth, but that performance is starting to look like an exception, given the recurring pattern in his dismissals – consistently pushing hard at deliveries outside the off stump. In Brisbane, he reached out to drive a particularly wide ball. Kohli had a memorable Test at the MCG in 2014, scoring 169 and 54, and again in 2018, he made a gritty 82 as captain, setting the stage for a famous victory that ultimately decided the series. He missed the 2020 series when India triumphed again. What will 2024 hold for him?
Australia vs India 4th Test: Match Prediction
With the series finely balanced, both teams will be aiming to secure a place in the ICC Test Championship Final. India, two-time finalists, have been struggling in Tests, with three losses in their last five matches. Their batting lineup is currently out of form.
In contrast, Australia has kept India under pressure in the last two Tests, with their pace attack now well-supported by their batting. Travis Head will likely pose a significant challenge for India.
We predict Australia will emerge victorious over India.
When and Where to Watch the Australia vs India 4th Test LIVE? Live Telecast and Streaming Details
The fourth Test match between Australia and India will be held from Thursday, December 26-30, with Day 1 starting at 5 AM IST. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network, and you can also stream it live on the Disney+ Hotstar website and app.
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FAQs
Who is making their Test debut for Australia on Boxing Day?
19-year-old Sam Konstas will make his Test debut for Australia, replacing Nathan McSweeney.
What is the current state of India’s batting lineup?
India’s batting has been struggling, with key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma facing inconsistent form.
What is the weather forecast for the MCG Test?
The forecast predicts a hot opening day with temperatures reaching up to 40°C, with showers expected on the second day, followed by pleasant conditions from day three.
What challenges are Australia facing heading into the Test?
Australia’s top-order batting, particularly Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, has been under scrutiny, while Travis Head’s fitness is also a concern.
What impact could this Test have on the ICC Test Championship?
Both teams are vying for a spot in the ICC Test Championship Final, making this Test crucial for their qualification.
