AUS vs IND Predictions: 5th Test, Team, Playing XI and Pitch Report

Australia will lock horns with India in the fifth and final Test of the five-match series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), starting on Friday, January 3.

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Australia will have one change to their XI with Mitchell Marsh being axed from the squad. Beau Webster, who has an exceptional First Class record, is all set to replace Marsh in the XI. Starc, who had fitness issues, is all set to be a part of the XI for the SCG Test.

On the other hand, India would be aiming for a win and stay in contention for the WTC Final. Moreover, there wouldn’t be major changes to their XI. All eyes would be on Rohit Sharma, who should turn the tables both with the bat and captaincy.

AUS vs IND, 5th Test Match Details

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Match: 1st Match of India tour of Australia 2024-25

Time & Date: 5:00 AM IST, January 3-7

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

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AUS vs IND, 5th Test Pitch Report

The SCG pitch has a few features of a subcontinent wicket. Thus, spinners are expected to have their fair share on this surface, while batters enjoy their time in the middle. We can expect high scores from the batters in the first innings, while bowlers are anticipated to turn the tables in the second innings.

AUS vs IND, 5th Test Probable XIs

Australia: 

Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

India:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep/Harshit Rana

AUS vs IND, 5th Test Match Winner Prediction

Match Winner: Australia

After the defeat in the first Test in Perth, Australia was rarely on the backfoot in the remaining three matches of the series. With their weakling Mitchell Marsh axed from the squad, Beau Webster brings a fresh approach to the XI. 

It would be interesting to watch how India fares out in this affair after an 184-run loss at the MCG in the Boxing Day Test.

In conclusion, the fifth and final Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is set to be a thrilling encounter. With Australia making strategic changes and India aiming to stay in contention for the WTC Final, fans can expect an exciting match. The SCG pitch is likely to favor spinners, making it a challenging game for both teams. Australia is predicted to win this match, given their recent form and changes in the squad.

For more updates and betting opportunities, visit Sky247.