New Delhi: India will be looking to return to winning ways when they take on Australia in the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) starting Thursday, December 26. The five-match series is currently locked at 1-1 after the rain-affected third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane ended in a draw last week.
India are expected to make a couple of changes in their playing XI for the 4th Test as they look to bounce back desperately after remaining winless in the last two matches. While there has been debate about whether India will go with two spinners in their XI for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, there has also been intense speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s batting position.
The Indian skipper confirmed that he is fit after taking a blow to his knee while batting in the nets but remained tight-lipped when asked about his batting position in the Boxing Day Test. Reports have suggested that Rohit might finally return to his original role as an opener at the expense of KL Rahul after failing to make an impact in the middle order in the last two Tests.
Rohit to return as an opener?
Ever since making his comeback in the second test in Adelaide, Rohit has been batting in the middle order in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 owing to Rahul’s stellar show at the top. Rahul has arguably been India’s best batter in the series, with 235 runs from six innings. However, he might have to make way for Rohit if the team management decides to back the skipper at his preferred spot.
Rohit has had a disastrous series so far batting in the middle order. He has managed only 19 runs in two Test matches and has looked far from his best. A return to the top might boost Rohit’s confidence and help him regian his mojo at the MCG where the pitch is expected to assist the batters.
Washington Sundar in for Nitish Reddy?
India might also opt for an extra spinner in the XI considering the nature of the wicket at the MCG. Washington Sundar can replace pace all-rounder Nitish Reddy in the XI if the visitors decide to go with two spinners. After R Aswhin’s retirement, Sundar is next in the line to partner Ravindra Jadeja in the longest format and might get his first game of the series in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
India’s predicted XI for Boxing Day Test vs Australia:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Reddy/Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj
Will Rohit Sharma return to opening after flop show in the middle order in the last two Tests or will KL Rahul continue to pair up with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top? Here is a look at India’s predicted XI for the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the MCG. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
