Boxing Day Clash: Australia opt to bat, India Bring on Washington Sundar for Shubman Gill

The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is set for a splash as Australia and India face off in the fourth Test of the enthralling series, currently tied 1-1. With the sun shining and temperatures reaching 40°C, both teams will need guts, skill and resilience to take advantage of this crucial encounter.

Australian Bats First: Debut in the limelight

Luck favored Australian skipper Pat Cummins in 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 the old MCG wicket,” Cummins noted. The decision also marks the debut of 19-year-old Sam Konstaswho will open the innings alongside the experienced Usman Khawaja. Facing a fiery Jasprit Bumrah-led India attack under the watchful eye of 90,000 spectators, the young opener is set for a baptism of fire.

Cummins also confirmed one change to Australia's squad, with Scott Boland replacing Josh Hazlewood.

Indian Bowling Challenge

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

Playing XI

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

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

What's the matter?

The Border-Gavaskar trophy is on the line. For India, a win here will ensure the trophy stays with them, while Australia will be desperate to reclaim it. The pitch promises pace, bounce and excitement, but whether it will be a high-scoring game remains to be seen.

Young Guns and Historic Stakes

The performances of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have been under the microscope, with both youngsters showing flashes of brilliance but lacking consistency. Sharma, however, stressed the simplicity of their approach.

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

Can India make it three in a row?

India's recent record at the MCG is stunning—they have won their last two Tests at the venue. A third straight win here would not only swing the series in their favour, but also cement their dominance on a ground that is traditionally challenging for visiting teams.

Australia, on the other hand, is encouraged by domestic conditions and the opportunity to rewrite history. The battle promises to be one for good as two great teams go head to head with everything on the line.