Former Team India coach Ravi Shastri believes the Rohit Sharma-led team is in a strong position ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Ravi Shastri has predicted an exciting match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), stating that the Men in Blue will be happy to level the series 1-1.
Team India won the first Test in Perth by 295 runs but lost the second in Adelaide by 10 wickets. Australia had the upper hand in the third Test in Brisbane, but India managed to equalize due to rain. With the series tied at 1-1, India, led by Rohit Sharma, will aim to win the fourth Test in Melbourne to take a 2-1 lead.
I think it will be a tough game – Ravi Shastri
Speaking to news.com.au, Ravi Shastri said that the first three Tests of the series were the toughest for India. He stated that any outside team would be happy with a 1-1 result before the final tests. Shastri feels India have a slight advantage in the Boxing Day Test.
“I think it's going to be a tough game. I think India will accept this, the way they are preparing for the series. Any outside team at 1-1, especially with the matches being played in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, they will accept this. Going 1-1 on the day,” Shastri said. Boxing is the best case scenario, I would say India is progressing.”
A win in the fourth Test will not only give India the lead in the series but will also improve their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final. Spearhead Jasprit Bumrah played a crucial role for India, taking 21 wickets at an average of 10.90 across three Tests, including two five-wicket innings.
India has exploited the fragile Australian system and will continue to do so – Ravi Shastri
The 62-year-old said it had been a long time since he had seen such a fragile Australian line-up. He noted that India has taken advantage of this weakness and will continue to do so. Shastri also praised Australian player Sam Constas, describing him as a refreshing talent with flair and brilliance.
“I think it was very fragile. When you look at the Australian line-up, it's been a long time since you've seen an Australian line-up where the top order is that fragile. India have exploited that and continue to exploit it.” As far as Konstas goes, I think he has great talent, and he has brilliance. But Test cricket is Test cricket for Australia,” Ravi Shastri said in the same interview.
Australia are fighting for the top spot in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
Australia's top order struggled in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Nathan McSweeney was dropped after scoring just 72 runs at an average of 14.40. Usman Khawaja managed just 63 runs in six innings.
After a solid fifty in Adelaide, Marnus Labuschagne scored just 13 runs in the third Test at The Gabba. With the pressure mounting, both Khawaja and Labuschagne will need to perform in the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
