India vs Australia 4th Test: Start Date, WTC Final Qualification, Updates

The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia has been nothing short of enthralling. The series stands level at 1-1 and now the cricketing world shifts its focus to the much-anticipated Australia vs India fourth Test starting on 26 December 2024 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). More than taking the lead in the series, the remaining two matches of BGT hold significant implications for the World Test Championship (WTC final) race.

India vs Australia 4th Test

India National Cricket Team began Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with a commanding 295-run victory in the first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Australia, however, bounced back in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval. The home side secured a comprehensive 10-wicket win in this pink-ball encounter. The third Test at The Gabba in Brisbane saw rain playing a spoilsport and ended in a draw.

The upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG promises a thrilling cricketing action as both the sides are vying for place WTC final.

Start Date and Venue

Start Date: Thursday, December 26, 2024
End Date: Monday, December 30, 2024
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne

The MCG, one of cricket’s most iconic venues, is set to host this high-stakes encounter. Known for its rich history and electrifying atmosphere, the ground promises to be a fitting stage for such an important match.

Match Timings

The fourth Test will begin at 10:30 AM local time (AEDT), which translates to an early 5:00 AM IST for Indian viewers. The toss will take place at 4:30 AM IST.

Session Timings (IST):

First Session: 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Lunch Break: 7:00 AM – 7:40 AM
Second Session: 7:40 AM – 9:40 AM
Tea Break: 9:40 AM – 10:00 AM
Third Session: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

India vs Australia 4th Test Key Players to Watch

India:

Jasprit Bumrah: The stand-in captain has been a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack, delivering crucial breakthroughs at pivotal moments.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young opener has shown promise and will be key in providing solid starts.

Australia:

Steve Smith: After a slow start to the series, Smith found his rhythm with a century in Brisbane.
Travis Head: Consistent and impactful, Head’s contributions have bolstered Australia’s batting.
Pat Cummins: Leading the Australian pace attack, Cummins’ relentless aggression will be a major threat to India’s batting lineup.

WTC Final Scenario: What’s at Stake?

India’s path to the WTC final remains precarious. To secure a spot, the Men in Blue must win the remaining two Tests. A draw or a loss in Melbourne could significantly dent their chances.

Points Calculation

India currently stands at a PCT (Percentage of Points) of 52.38%.
Winning the next two matches would elevate their PCT to 60.52%, potentially surpassing Australia in the standings.

For India, it’s an opportunity to regain momentum and keep their WTC hopes alive. For Australia, it’s a chance to assert dominance on home soil and inch closer to reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

AUS vs IND BGT Squads

India Test Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar

Australia Test Squad: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Beau Webster, Josh Inglis, Brendan Doggett, Sean Abbott

Stay tuned for AUS vs IND 2024 news updates