Australia's another below-the-belt tactic? Indians given dead and flat pitch with no bounce to practice ahead of MCG test

The fourth Test between India and Australia is all set to begin on December 26. This will be the showpiece event of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will be the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium. India have been under intense pressure after below-par performances in the second and third games.

Hence, the visitors need to put their best foot forward if they want to retain the BGT trophy. India need just one win to retain the BGT trophy, and winning the remaining two games will give them a spot in the World Test Championship final.

That's why the MCG test is very important for the visitors. India have enjoyed success at the MCG, and they won the last two matches played here against Australia. That will give them some sort of confidence moving ahead. The visitors are also sweating hard at the nets to prepare for this important game.

IND vs AUS: Team India were offered a dead pitch with no bounce to prepare for the MCG test

On Sunday, the visitors completed their practice session at the MCG for the fourth test. The surface they were practicing on was pretty flat and had an uneven bounce, which is generally used for the limited-over games. However, the surface with grass and bounce were kept under covers. That's what ignited the question of some conspiracy from the hosts.

A few players, including Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, were hit while practicing because the surface they were batting on had uneven bounce, while the surface that will be used for the game will be totally contrasting. As per the Times of India, the other pitches at the venue were kept under cover, which have good bounce and carry.

The Indian team were not given the permission to use the pitches. That raises the eyebrows of many. Australia have yet to start their practice session, and it will be worth looking at which surface will be given to them to practice. However, India had a poor surface to practice on that raised the speculation of bias towards the home team. The MCG is usually a good venue for the batting and a good contest between bat and ball is expected.

Also Read: Injury Scare for India: Rohit Sharma got hit at net sessions ahead of Boxing Day Test