India is currently on a tour of Australia for a five-match Test series, which is nearing its conclusion with the fifth Test at the SCG. The series score stands at 2-1 in favor of Australia following a dominant win in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. The fifth Test will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3, 2024, at 5:00 am IST.
After leading 1-0 following the first Test in Perth, India suffered losses in two of the next three matches, leaving them 1-2 behind in the series. This final Test will determine whether India can level the series and keep their hopes of a World Test Championship (WTC) Final berth alive. Australia, however, is in a strong position and will be aiming to secure their spot in the WTC Final with a win. A thrilling contest awaits at the SCG in the new year.
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Australia vs India 5th Test: Match Preview
From the opening day in Perth, where 17 wickets tumbled, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been nothing short of captivating. Even the rain-marred match in Brisbane brought a twist—a surprise retirement. Now, as this fiercely contested and highly entertaining series reaches its conclusion, Australia stands on the brink of solidifying their dominance. Already ODI and Test world champions, they are within grasp of a trophy that has eluded them for a decade. Yet, India still has a chance to deny them the ultimate triumph.
Rumors of internal discord have swirled around the Indian camp. Captain Rohit Sharma’s poor form has raised questions about his place in the XI. Adding to the speculation, coach Gautam Gambhir refrained from confirming Rohit’s inclusion, casting a shadow over India’s preparations. Shubman Gill, omitted from the MCG Test, was among the first to hit the nets, while Dhruv Jurel, sidelined since Perth, stayed the longest. Could these be signs of a shake-up in India’s batting order? Is Rohit on the way out?
India’s struggles to post competitive first-innings totals have been glaring. Their average of 22.40 is the seventh lowest in any season where they’ve played at least five Tests, forcing them to play catch-up against a formidable Australian side. However, the Sydney Cricket Ground might offer some respite. While the SCG isn’t the batting haven it once was—like when India amassed 705 in 2003—it still boasts a respectable average of 34.85 runs per wicket over the last three years, making it Australia’s most batting-friendly venue in this period. Perhaps that’s why Australia is reinforcing their bowling lineup, especially given the quick turnaround between the Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests. Beau Webster is set to debut, replacing Mitchell Marsh.
At the MCG, India came close to salvaging a draw, thanks to another standout performance from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has emerged as their most reliable batter. Despite Rohit’s post-match remarks suggesting the younger players have more to learn about Test cricket, the likes of Jaiswal—India’s top scorer this series—are proving their mettle. Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered a series highlight, and Akash Deep earned Steven Smith’s praise before being ruled out of the Sydney Test with a back injury. Yet India’s challenges remain deeper, highlighting vulnerabilities that Australia will look to exploit.
Australia vs India 5th Test: Recent Form
Australia: WDWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
India: LDLWL
Australia vs India 5th Test: Head-to-head
- Matches Played – 111
- Matches Won by Australia – 47
- Matches Won by India – 33
- Matches Lost by Australia – 32
- Matches Lost by India – 47
- Matches Drawn – 30
- Matches Tied – 1
Australia vs India 5th 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 5th Test: Weather Report & Pitch Conditions
A day before the Test match, the SCG pitch still had a touch of grass on it. According to Pat Cummins, feedback from the two Shield games played here this season suggests it has been a “good cricket wicket,” offering plenty for the bowlers, particularly with some added pace.
The weather at the start of the Test is expected to be clear, though rain is predicted for the final two days.
Australia vs India 5th Test: Team News and Predicted XI
Australia – Team News
Mitchell Starc is set to play in Sydney despite dealing with a side/rib issue. Beau Webster, a right-handed batter who also bowls medium pace and offspin, will become Australia’s third debutant of the series, following Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas.
Webster was the leading run-scorer in last season’s Sheffield Shield, amassing 938 runs at an average of 58.62, while also claiming 30 wickets at 29.30.
Australia – Predicted XI
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Konstas
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Mitchell Starc
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
India – Team News
With Akash sidelined due to a stiff back, India will need to adjust their bowling attack, with Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana likely to step in as his replacement. Changes in the batting lineup also seem imminent, as Shubman Gill received focused attention from Gautam Gambhir during throwdowns. Dhruv Jurel appears to be in contention for a spot in the XI, potentially at the expense of Washington Sundar.
India – Predicted XI
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Rohit Sharma (c)/ Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant
- Dhruv Jurel/Washington Sundar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Prasidh Krishna/Harshit Rana
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah
Australia vs India 5th Test: Players Under the Spotlight
Australia – Pat Cummins
If not for Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins would undoubtedly be the standout bowler of this series. After a shaky start in Perth, he found his rhythm in Adelaide, embodying the legacy of fast bowlers with his fiery spells and animated celebrations. His all-around performance in Melbourne, including crucial runs with the bat, earned him the Player of the Match award. A victory on home turf in Sydney, in front of another record-breaking crowd, to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final would be the ideal conclusion to Cummins’ season.
India – Rohit Sharma
Is Sydney set to mark Rohit Sharma’s final appearance in Test cricket, or has his time already passed? India’s victory in Perth was achieved without him. In an effort not to disrupt the team’s momentum, he shifted himself to the middle order but found the move ineffective. With a lack of runs, questionable on-field decisions, and India’s next Test not scheduled until June 2025—by which time Rohit will be 38—it feels like the close of a chapter. On Thursday, he batted in the nets, facing only throwdowns, much like his preparation ahead of the Melbourne Test.
Australia vs India 5th Test: Match Prediction
Australia leads the 5-match Test series 2-1 after losing the first Test in Perth. India’s batting has been disappointing in the last three Tests, with the exception of Yashasvi Jaiswal and, to a lesser extent, KL Rahul. The poor form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remains a major concern. On the other hand, Australia’s bowlers have been in excellent form, while their batting, particularly from Steven Smith and Travis Head, has improved. Given the current state of play, we anticipate Australia will win the fifth Test at Sydney, taking the series 3-1 and securing a place in the WTC final.
Our prediction is that Australia will emerge victorious.
When and Where to Watch the Australia vs India 5th Test LIVE? Live Telecast and Streaming Details
The fourth Test match between Australia and India will be held from Friday, January 3-7, 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
What is the current scoreline in the Australia vs India Test series?
Australia leads the series 2-1 after a win in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
When is the fifth Test between Australia and India?
The fifth Test will take place on January 3, 2024, at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting at 5:00 am IST.
What is India’s current batting form in the series?
India’s batting has been inconsistent, with only Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul showing some form, while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have struggled.
Who has been performing well for Australia in the series?
Australia’s bowlers have been outstanding, and Steven Smith and Travis Head have been in good batting form.
What is at stake in the final Test for both teams?
Australia aims to seal a spot in the World Test Championship final, while India hopes to level the series and keep their WTC Final hopes alive.
