After a close call in Brisbane, Rohit Sharma and his team will look to bounce back with a stronger performance as the series moves to Melbourne. With both India and Australia having won one match each in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the upcoming clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will give either team a crucial edge. The series started with India in control, but Australia fought back in the next match, which was a day-night affair. Australia was in charge of the third Test, but the match ended in a draw due to rain interruptions.
Australia has announced its playing XI for the fourth Test, with two changes. Replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood is Scott Boland, while 19-year-old Sam Konstas gets a debut in place of Nathan McSweeney. Australia will also breathe a sigh of relief to have Travis Head available, after being a doubt for the match. He’s been the top run-scorer of the series so far, and that makes him a significant presence for the hosts.
On the Indian side, as of yet, there is no word on who will constitute the playing XI, though reports indicate Rohit Sharma is likely to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, while KL Rahul, India’s best batter in this series, will likely walk in at three. Rumor has it that India might play two spinners, so Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar will likely take up the job. If that happens, either Nitish Reddy or Shubman Gill might lose their spot in the XI.



