India vs Australia 5th Test: Match Time, Expected Playing XI, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, and Live Streaming Details from the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
The India vs. Australia 5th Test is set to begin on January 3, 2025, at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), marking the climax of an intense Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With Australia leading the series 2-1, the stakes are high for both teams as they battle for supremacy and a chance to secure a place in the World Test Championship final. After a comprehensive 184-run loss in the fourth Test, India will be looking to bounce back and level the series with a strong performance.
As anticipation builds, here's everything you need to know about the upcoming match, including the expected playing XI, pitch report, weather forecast, and where to watch the live action.
India vs Australia 5th Test: Match Time and Venue
- Match Start Time: 5:00 AM IST (January 3, 2025)
- Toss Time: 4:30 AM IST
- Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney, Australia
The Sydney Cricket Ground, one of the most revered venues in world cricket, will play host to this thrilling Test match. The match will begin at 5:00 AM IST, making it an early morning start for fans in India. The toss will take place 30 minutes before the scheduled start, at 4:30 AM IST.
India's Expected Playing XI for the 5th Test
After a disappointing defeat in the previous Test, India is expected to make several changes to their lineup. The team management will look to make adjustments in both the batting and bowling departments, with several key players returning to bolster the side
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India’s Likely Playing XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Role: Opening batsman
- Details: After some solid performances earlier in the series, Jaiswal will look to anchor the top order alongside KL Rahul or Shubman Gill. His solid technique will be crucial at the SCG.
KL Rahul
- Role: Opening batsman
- Details: Rahul will be under pressure after some inconsistent performances, but his experience in Australian conditions will be crucial to stabilize the innings at the top.
Shubman Gill
- Role: Top-order batsman
- Details: Gill has been in superb form and will be a key player for India at the top of the order. His ability to handle both pace and spin is a vital asset for India in this series.
Virat Kohli
- Role: Middle-order batsman
- Details: Kohli has had his moments in the series and will be determined to finish on a high in this final Test. His leadership, especially after Rohit Sharma’s likely absence, will be key.
Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-batsman
- Details: With Rishabh Pant likely dropped after inconsistent performances, Jurel is expected to step in as wicketkeeper. His batting ability will also be an important factor in India’s middle order.
Ravindra Jadeja
- Role: All-rounder (left-arm spinner, lower-order batsman)
- Details: Jadeja remains one of India’s most crucial players, providing excellent spin options and depth in the batting order. His ability to turn the ball and provide breakthroughs will be important on Australian pitches.
Washington Sundar
- Role: All-rounder (off-spin bowler, lower-order batsman)
- Details: Sundar is expected to be included for his spin bowling and ability to add depth to the batting lineup. His role in containing runs and picking wickets will be key.
Nitish Reddy
- Role: Middle-order batsman
- Details: Reddy's inclusion will bolster India’s batting, and he will be eager to make an impact in a crucial Test match like this one.
Jasprit Bumrah (c)
- Role: Fast bowler, Captain
- Details: Bumrah will take over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma, who is likely to be rested. Known for his deadly pace and ability to bowl in pressure situations, Bumrah will lead India’s attack and look to provide key breakthroughs.
- Role: Fast bowler
- Details: One of Siraj or Prasidh Krishna is expected to partner Bumrah in the pace attack. Siraj's ability to generate swing and bounce will be crucial on a pitch that offers support for fast bowlers.
- Role: Fast bowler
- Details: Harshit Rana is expected to make a return to the playing XI, filling in for the injured Akash Deep. His pace and aggression will provide India with the option of a third fast bowler to complement the spinners.
Pitch Report: SCG Conditions
The SCG pitch typically offers something for both the batters and the bowlers, making it an exciting contest. While the early overs may favor the fast bowlers, especially with the extra bounce and pace in the pitch, the conditions are expected to favor spin as the game progresses. Expect the pitch to start out firm with a little bit of pace and bounce, but as the game wears on, spin will likely come into play, giving both Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar an opportunity to exploit the conditions.
The pitch may also be prone to cracks on days 3-5, which could make it challenging for batters as the ball starts turning sharply. Given this, the team that adapts to the changing conditions will have the upper hand.
Weather Forecast: Sydney Weather
The weather forecast for Sydney during the 5th Test predicts partly cloudy skies with minimal chances of rain. The temperature is expected to be around 25°C during the day, with cool conditions at night. This should allow for uninterrupted cricket, with no major weather interruptions expected.
While the skies may remain overcast at times, the weather should not have a significant impact on the play, and fans can expect a full match.
Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
For fans across the world, here are the options to watch the live action:
- India: The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network and available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
- Australia: Fans can watch the match on Fox Sports and stream via Kayo Sports.
- UK and Europe: Sky Sports will have the broadcast rights, and the match can be streamed online via the Sky Go app.
- USA and Canada: The match will be available on Willow TV, with streaming options through Willow TV’s official website or app.
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