The much-anticipated 5th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 between Australia vs India is set to kick off on January 3, 2025, at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). With the stakes incredibly high, this match holds the potential to determine not just the series winner but also shape the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final race. For India, it’s their last chance to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while Australia aims to cement their dominance.
Start Time for the 5th Test
The Australia vs India 5th Test at SCG will start at 5:00 AM IST on January 3, 2025. Fans in India will need an early morning wake-up call to catch the thrilling action live.
India’s Confirmed Playing XI
In a surprising move, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has voluntarily opted out of the final Test and is expected to announce his retirement from Test cricket after the match. Taking the reins is Jasprit Bumrah, who will lead the team for this crucial clash. Young talent Shubman Gill comes in to bolster the middle order, and KL Rahul will open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Additionally, with Akash Deep side-lined due to back issues, Prasidh Krishna joins the playing XI to add depth to India’s pace attack.
India’s Playing XI:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Nitish Reddy
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Prasidh Krishna
- Jasprit Bumrah (c)
- Mohammed Siraj
Australia’s Confirmed Playing XI
Australia, fresh off their victory at the Melbourne Test, will largely retain their winning combination. The only confirmed change is Beau Webster replacing the out-of-form Mitchell Marsh. Webster, an all-rounder, is expected to provide stability in both batting and bowling departments.
Australia’s Playing XI:
- Sam Konstas
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steven Smith
- Travis Head
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
Pitch Report for the 5th Test at SCG
The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is traditionally known as a batting-friendly venue, with spinners coming into the picture as the match progresses into Days 4 and 5. While it lacks the raw pace of the WACA or the bounce of the Gabba, the SCG’s surface provides significant turn for spinners, making it an exciting venue for both batsmen and bowlers.
SCG, Sydney Test Stats & Records
Here’s a look at some key stats from the SCG:
- Total Matches Played: 114
- Matches Won Batting First: 47
- Matches Won Bowling First: 43
- Average 1st Innings Score: 318
- Average 2nd Innings Score: 311
- Average 3rd Innings Score: 249
- Average 4th Innings Score: 169
- Highest Total: 705/7 by India vs Australia
- Lowest Total: 42/10 by Australia vs England
Key Match Stakes
For India, this Test is a do-or-die situation to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and secure a spot in the WTC Final. Meanwhile, Australia aims to close the series on a high and solidify their top spot in the WTC rankings. With seasoned players like Virat Kohli and Steven Smith, and rising stars such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sam Konstas, fans can expect a nail-biting finish to this epic series.