Ravi Shastri's bold prediction ahead of MCG Test


Former Team India coach Ravi Shastri believes the Rohit Sharma-led side are 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), saying the Men in Blue would be happy with the series tied 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 lead in the third Test in Brisbane, but India managed to equalize due to rain. With the series level at 1-1, Rohit Sharma-led India will look to win the fourth Test in Melbourne to take a 2-1 lead.

I think it will be a cracking game – Ravi Shastri

Speaking to news.com.au, Ravi Shastri said the first three Tests of the series were India's toughest. He stated that any overseas team would be satisfied with a 1-1 scoreline ahead of the final Tests. Shastri feels India have a slight edge in the Boxing Day Test.

“I think it will be a cracking game. I think India would accept that, the way the series is set up. Any overseas team going 1-1, especially with Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane games, would accept that. Going with 1-1 on Boxing Day is the best case scenario, I would say India have the nose in front,” said Shastri.

A win in the fourth Test will not only give India a series lead but also improve their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah played a crucial role for India, taking 21 wickets at an average of 10.90 in three Tests, including two five-wicket hauls.

India exploited Australia's fragile command and will continue to do so – Ravi Shastri

The 62-year-old said it had been a long time since he had seen an Australian line-up this fragile. He noted that India has capitalized on this weakness and will continue to do so. Shastri also praised Australian player Sam Konstas, describing him as a refreshing talent with flair and flamboyance.

“I think she was quite fragile. When you look at this Australian line-up, it's been a long time since we've seen an Australian line-up where the top order is so fragile. India has exploited this and continues to exploit it. As for Konstas, I think it's very refreshing to be the future of Australia,” Ravi Shastri said in the same interview.

Australia's biggest struggles in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy

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 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.

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