Boxing Day clash: Australia picks to bat, India brings in Washington Sundar for Shubman Gill

The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is set to be a very exciting affair as Australia and India face off in the fourth Test of an exciting series, currently tied at 1-1. With the scorching heat of the sun and temperatures rising to 40 degrees Celsius, both teams will need determination, skill and flexibility to seize the advantage in this pivotal confrontation.

Australia bat first: debut in the spotlight

Luck favored Australian skipper Pat Cummins at the toss, and he chose to bat on a wicket reminiscent of classic MCG pitches – firm with a touch of grass. “It's been a great series so far. The pitch looks good – like an old wicket from the MCG,” Cummins said. It also represents the decision The debut of 19 year old Sam KonstasWho will open the innings alongside veteran Usman Khawaja. Facing a fiery Indian attack led by Jasprit Bumrah under the eyes of 90,000 spectators, the young opener is preparing for a baptism of fire.

Cummins also confirmed one change to the Australian line-up, with Scott Bolland replacing Josh Hazlewood.

Bowling challenge in india

Rohit Sharma, while admitting that he would have liked to bat first, stressed the importance of a disciplined bowling effort. “We fought well in Brisbane. The series is 1-1 and there is a lot to play for,” he said. India's strategy includes two gazelles, with Washington Sundar joined Ravindra Jadeja in the starting XI. Shubman Gill misses, and Sharma himself will open the batting alongside the promising Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Playing XI

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Bolland

India: Yashavi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deb.

What is at stake?

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is at stake. For India, a win here will ensure the trophy stays with them, while Australia will be desperate to reclaim it. The stadium promises speed, bounce and excitement, but whether or not it will be a high-scoring game remains to be seen.

Young guns and historical stakes

The performances of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill were under the microscope, with both youngsters showing flashes of brilliance but lacking consistency. However, Sharma emphasized simplicity in their approach.

All eyes will also be on Sam Constas. Making her debut at the age of 19, the opener faces one of the toughest challenges in cricket: an Indian attack featuring Bumrah, Siraj and Jadeja, on a stage as big as a Boxing Day Test.

Can India make it three in a row?

India's recent record at the MCG is phenomenal – they have won their last two Tests at the venue. A third successive win here would not only tip the series in their favour, but would also cement their dominance on a ground that traditionally challenges visiting teams.

Australia, on the other hand, is supported by its internal circumstances and the opportunity to rewrite history. The battle promises to be one for the ages, as two formidable teams clash with everything on the line.