The fourth Test match of the 5-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia will be played on the Melbourne grounds from December 26. This series is currently tied at 1-1. In such a situation, the Melbourne Test is going to be very important in view of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well as the World Test Championship. Both these teams are big contenders to reach the finals of the WTC, but the path to the finals will be very difficult for the team that loses in this match. In such a situation, Rohit Sharma and company will keep their eyes on winning this match at any cost.

From BGT to WTC at stake

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is currently with India. In such a situation, if the series ends in a tie this time then Team India will retain the trophy. That means Team India is just 1 win away from retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Therefore, Melbourne Test is very important for the Indian team. On the other hand, to reach the final of the World Test Championship, the Indian team has to win both the remaining matches of this series. If there is a defeat in the Melbourne Test, it will be impossible for the Indian team to reach the final of the WTC.

Good figures of Team India in Melbourne

India had its last defeat in Melbourne in 2011, since then Team India has not faced defeat here in Test. In 2014, the Test match played on this ground between India and Australia ended in a draw. Whereas, in 2018, India defeated Australia by 137 runs. After this, in the Boxing Day Test of 2020, the Indian team won by 8 wickets on this ground. That is, these figures of Melbourne are a good sign for Team India, the Indian team would like to maintain this dominance. At the same time, so far 14 test matches have been played between the two teams in Melbourne, out of which Australia has won 8 matches and Team India has won 4 matches. At the same time, 2 matches have been drawn.

Will there be changes in Team India's playing 11?

The pitch of Melbourne Cricket Ground is helpful for fast bowlers as well as spinners. In such a situation, the Indian team can make changes in its playing 11 for this match. According to some reports, Team India may field with two spinners in Melbourne. In the third test of the series, India had played a spinner in the form of Ravindra Jadeja. In such a situation, if two spinners get a place in the playing 11, then Nitish Kumar Reddy may be out and Washington Sundar may enter. On the other hand, a fast bowler can also be reduced. In such a situation, either Mohammad Siraj or Akash Deep may have to sit out, in such a situation the Indian batting will become stronger.

According to a report, Rohit Sharma can also change his batting position in this match. That means he can be seen starting the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Till now in this series, KL Rahul has opened the innings with Jaiswal, but this time a change can be made. Actually, Rohit Sharma was not present in the Perth Test. Then KL Rahul got the responsibility of opening. Then even after Rohit's return, he got a chance to play at the same number. On the other hand, Rohit played at number six. But at this number he could score only 19 runs in 3 innings at an average of 6.33.