The five-match Test series between Australia and India is really heating up.
And as sporting occasions Down Under go, few match the heralded Boxing Day Test, a tradition as famous as Christmas itself!
With the series locked at 1-1 following the rain-affected draw in Brisbane, the Border-Gavaskar trophy is well and truly up for grabs as the biggest event in cricket right now moves to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the Fourth Test.
If India triumph, they will retain the BGT, having won the previous series between the two nations.
Australia know they need to win the remaining two Tests to get their hands on the trophy, so fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a cricketing rollercoaster!
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Australia vs India Preview
As well as the BGT bragging rights, both of these sides are looking to strengthen their positions in the World Test Championship table.
Australia sit second and India occupy third spot, with South Africa leading the pack. Only the top two qualify for next year’s final at Lord’s.
So the pressure is on, with the focus set to be firmly on the array of superstars in both camps and their ability to rise to such an occasion.
In the previous Test match, key Aussie batter Steve Smith returned to form with a well-made century, his first in 26 Test innings.
Travis Head also recorded another ton and captain Pat Cummins will need the pair at their best in Melbourne to repel India’s stellar bowling attack, spearheaded by the magnificent Jasprit Bumrah.
Australia’s previous top three, Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschange, all really struggled against the new ball.
But India’s batters have not exactly set the world alight either, with the Cummins-led bowling unit wreaking havoc at times in all three of the previous Tests.
The ball has dominated the bat for the most part, hence why we have had such exciting contests and seen skilled batters like Rohit Sharma look a bit lost at the crease.
Do not expect that to change in Melbourne, although Australia’s attack will be significantly weaker without the presence of experienced quick Josh Hazlewood, who will sadly miss out through injury.
Scott Boland is a superb replacement, though. Boland recorded absurd figures of 6-7 against England at the MCG in late 2021.
India will also be without legendary spinner Ravi Ashwin after he announced his international retirement following the Test at the Gabba.
So much has already happened in this series – and the fourth act could be the best yet!
Australia vs India Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Australia are favourites here at 1.61. India are 2.73 to claim another impressive away win, while an unlikely draw (weather permitting) is at 8.90.
Australia vs India Betting Tips
Top Bowler – Jasprit Bumrah @ 3.50
This series so far has been all about the brilliance of Bumrah. The Indian superstar has taken 21 wickets and looks almost unstoppable with the ball in hand. Australian batters just cannot deal with his speed, accuracy and variations.
Top Batter – Virat Kohli @ 7.50
Kohli has been far from at his best in the Test arena in recent years, but he seems to thrive on Australian soil. After hitting a much-needed century in Perth, we can see the veteran batter showcasing his undeniable skills in Melbourne.
Most Sixes – India @ 1.97
Indian batters seem to be hitting sixes for fun these days. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma and Nitish Kumar Reddy are three of the best in the business at clearing the ropes. If the visitors get on the front foot, expect maximums galore!
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