AUS vs IND 5th Test: Key Players, Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Details, and Probable XIs

The fifth and final test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is a do-or-die battle for the Indian team, which begins on Friday, January 3. The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been really unexpected, with Australia ahead in the series 2-1 against India.

Australia is extremely close to winning the series and securing their spot in the World Test Championship Final, while Team India is having a very hard time and needs something amazing to happen to hold onto the trophy.

AUS vs IND 5th Test: Full Match Details and Live Streaming Info

Sydney Cricket Ground: Weather Details

Team Form (Last 5 Matches)

Pitch Report: A Green Challenge at SCG

Teams that bat first at the SCG usually obtain about 318 runs on average. The pitch usually helps fast bowlers at the start because it's green and slightly damp. But, once that early shift fades, the surface becomes simpler for hitters. Out of 114 tests played here, the team that batted first has won 47 times.

With rain predicted in the last two days, the toss will play a big role. Winning the toss and batting first might be the best strategy to make use of favorable conditions early on.

SCG Match Statistics

India Test Record at Sydney Cricket Ground(SCG) in Australia

India’s Last Chance to Stay in the WTC Race

India began the series with a great victory in Perth, but it's been a difficult journey since then. They're in a difficult situation now because they lost two games in a row in Adelaide and Melbourne, and then they could only manage a draw in Brisbane.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant, who are very well-known players from India, Have to improve their performance. There are problems inside the team that are getting a lot of attention. Rohit and Kohli haven't been playing as well as they usually do, and Pant hasn't been getting those big scores like he's famous for. There are doubts surrounding Rohit Sharma’s captaincy role and opening position.

To level the series, India's bowlers have to start well at the beginning. But Akash Deep’s absence hit the team hard. Harshit Rana's probably going to come in and bowl alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

Australia Looks Unstoppable

Australia really turned things around after losing in Perth and now is ahead with a 2-1 lead. They've been outplaying the Indian team. In the Boxing Day Test, Sam Konstas was amazing, playing boldly and without any fear. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith have been playing very well, causing a lot of trouble for the Indian bowlers.

But, Usman Khawaja hasn't been doing great and needs to do better, especially since the next match is on his home ground.

Mitchell Starc is okay to play now even after hurting his rib. Beau Webster is stepping in for Mitchell Marsh for his first test game. Because he's really good at both batting and bowling, Webster might make the team even harder. The Australian bowlers Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon, are performing well.

Key Players to Watch

Probable Playing XIs

India

Australia

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