India vs Australia : As the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 between India and Australia approaches, all eyes are on the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to see how the pitch and weather will impact the match. With the series on the line and India trailing 2-1, this Test could decide the fate of the championship.
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India vs Australia : SCG Pitch and Weather Update for the 5th Test Between India and Australia
Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report
The SCG pitch has long been known for its balance between bat and ball, offering assistance to both pacers and spinners. The conditions here can be tricky, especially with a worn surface as the match progresses.
Key Pitch Characteristics:
- Day 1: Expect a pitch with some moisture, providing movement for fast bowlers early on. With high temperatures in Sydney, the pitch curator, Adam Lewis, has worked to lock in some moisture and will continue heavy rolling to ensure a consistent surface. The grass has been trimmed to about 7mm, and moisture will be maintained at the surface level to give pacers an early advantage.
- Day 2 and Beyond: As the game moves forward, spinners will start to come into their own. Historically, the SCG has been a haven for spinners, with legends like Shane Warne and current star Nathan Lyon making their mark. Expect players like Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to play significant roles for India.
- Spin Factor: The pitch will gradually wear down, offering spin friendly conditions, especially after Day 3.
Batting Conditions: The SCG pitch tends to favor the batters in the early innings, with high scores in the first innings not uncommon. However, as the pitch ages, batters will need to adjust to the turn and bounce provided by the spinners.
Sydney Weather Forecast for the 5th Test
While the pitch report has given us insights into how the game might unfold, the weather forecast will also play a significant role in the match. Sydney’s weather in early January can be unpredictable, and the teams will need to adjust to the conditions.
Weather Overview:
- Friday 3 Jan: Cloudy with a possible rainfall. Temperatures will range from 20°C (min) to 26°C (max) with a 30% chance of rain. Winds will be light, becoming east to northeasterly.
- Saturday 4 Jan: Sunny with a slight chance of a thunderstorm. Temperatures will rise to 29°C, with minimal rain (5%) and light northeasterly winds.
- Sunday 5 Jan: Mostly sunny with a slight chance of a shower. The temperature will reach 32°C, with light winds in the evening.
- Monday 6 Jan: Sunny with a chance of thunderstorms (30%). The temperature will again be around 32°C, with light northeasterly winds turning easterly.
- Tuesday 7 Jan: A mix of clouds and possible showers. Temperatures will drop to 27°C, with a 60% chance of rain.
Impact of Weather: The early days of the Test seem to have a chance of rain, which could disrupt play, particularly on the first and third days. The weather conditions could lead to intermittent breaks, which might favor the fast bowlers. However, by the weekend, the weather should be much clearer, and the teams will likely face a fully operational pitch.
Players to Watch Out for
- Steve Smith (Australia): With back to back centuries, Smith is in exceptional form and boasts a remarkable record at the SCG, where he averages over 70. India will need to keep him quiet if they are to level the series.
- Nathan Lyon (Australia): The SCG’s pitch will likely offer ample spin, and Lyon, with his impressive record at this ground, could play a pivotal role. He’s a dangerous weapon for Australia, especially on the last few days.
- Jasprit Bumrah (India): Bumrah has been India’s most consistent performer in difficult conditions. Expect him to lead the attack and create pressure, especially in the first innings when the ball might offer some movement.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (India): The young opener has been India’s top performer in this series and will be crucial for India to set a strong foundation at the top of the order.
With both teams having everything to play for in this crucial final Test, the SCG pitch and the weather will be pivotal in shaping the outcome. While the pitch will provide early assistance for pacers, spinners will come into play as the match progresses. The unpredictable weather adds another layer of intrigue, potentially altering the course of the game. India and Australia will both look to capitalize on these conditions, making this one of the most exciting Tests in recent memory.
FAQs
How does the SCG pitch behave during a Test match?
The SCG pitch favors batters early on but offers assistance to spinners from Day 3 onwards
What is the average first innings score at the SCG?
The average first innings score at the SCG is around 320
