Axar Patel back into Indian squad, replace Kuldeep Yadav for 2nd Sri Lanka Test: Bowling all-rounder Axar Patel has completely recovered from his injury and subsequently drafted into the Indian test side for the second test against Sri Lanka.



Axar Patel has replaced left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the second test between India and Sri Lanka, to be held from March 12 in Bangalore.



The second and final test of the two matches test series between India and Sri Lanka will be held in Bangalore?s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, beginning March 12th. The test will be a day/night fixture.



Axar Patel had sustained a shin injury owing to which he missed the tour of South Africa tour along with the home series against West Indies. He was also unavailable for the opening test against Sri Lanka in Mohali, which India won by an innings and 222 runs inside three days.



The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released Kuldeep Yadav from the test squad and the cricketer is likely to join his respective IPL franchise to undergo training for the TATA IPL 2022.



"Axar was the first choice but had to undergo recovery and hence Kuldeep was a backup," a BCCI source told PTI.



"Now Axar is fit and back so Kuldeep has been released," the source added.



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Meanwhile, Axar Patel, who also tested covid positive recently, has recovered from that as well.



Team India went with three spinners in the first test against Sri Lanka in Mohali. Skipper Rohit Sharma preferred Jayant Yadav as the third spinner while Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin occupied the first two positions of the spin bowling.



Jayant Yadav went wicketless in both innings while his spin counterparts dominated the match as they scalped 15 wickets combined in the first test.



Axar Patel will get a place in the starting playing11 for the Bengaluru test if India persists with three spinners and two-seamers.



However, with the test being a day/night fixture in Bengaluru, Rohit Sharma might prefer going with three pacers and two spinners in R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.



It will be interesting to know what team India evaluates of the surface and how they strategize their game against the sloppy Lankans on March 12.



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Axar Patel back into Indian squad, replace Kuldeep Yadav for 2nd Sri Lanka Test

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India captain Rohit Sharma was actively involved in the game during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. The match between the two teams is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Rohit Sharma was left pretty frustrated in the first two sessions of the match as Australia had a great time with the bat. The Pat Cummins-led side came up with a magical batting effort, especially from the top four batters Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, who all slammed half-centuries. 
Rohit Sharma tried different things, but nothing seemed to be going his way as Australia's batters kept smashing runs. This also saw India's captain going hard at his players, and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was at the receiving end of the thrashing. 
It happened during Ravindra Jadeja's over when the all-rounder was bowling to Steve Smith. The Australian batter defended the ball, which went straight to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was standing near the wicket at the square leg region. He came up with a bizarre effort, and this didn't go well with Rohit Sharma. 
 <a href="https://x.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1872075886947881321" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas</a>
As the ball went towards Yashasvi Jaiswal, instead of fielding, he jumped and saved himself. This made Rohit Sharma angry as he was seen telling the batter: "Ay Jaisu, Gully cricket khel raha hai kya? Niche baith ke reh. Jab tak ball khelega nahi, uthne ka nahi. Niche baith ke reh." You can see the video below: 
However, after the first session, India made a strong comeback as they picked up a few quick wickets and brought themselves back into the game. Jasprit Bumrah, who was taken for cleaners in the first session, picked three wickets and brought some hope for relief for fans. 
Australia at stumps were 311 for six. Steve Smith was unbeaten at 68. India and captain Rohit Sharma will be hoping that they pick early wickets on Day 2 and come up with a better performance with the bat.
Also Read: Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>
<h2>Watch: Rohit Sharma scolds Yashasvi Jaiswal </h2>

India captain Rohit Sharma was actively involved in the game during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia

Watch: Rohit Sharma attacks Yashasvi Jaiswal with "Jaisu, gully cricket khel raha hai kya?"

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Australia batter Sam Konstas opened up about his fight with Virat Kohli during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against India, which is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. He said that he was doing his gloves and the senior batter accidentally bumped him. 
The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia started on a high note as day one of the game witnessed an enthralling day of cricket. Not only this, the tensions were high as well as Indian players had their go at the Australian players, and it lifted the crowds. 
One of the highlights of Day 1 came between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas. The two were engaged in a heated argument in the first session of the day. It was then the Australian debutant started taking attacks on the Indian bowlers and slammed them all over the park. 
Sam Konstas, in particular, slammed Jasprit Bumrah all over the park. He played unorthodox shots and reversed-scooped him for six. While the battle between pacers and batter was going high, Virat Kohli was having a go at a batter behind the stumps. 
But the tensions flared up after the 10th over of the innings. After the over ended, Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch between overs. Immediately after that, they shared a heated exchange of words before Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough interrupted to separate the batters. 
<h2>"I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me - Sam Konstas on fight with Virat Kohli</h2>
This became a massive headline, but Australia batter Sam Konstas has now opened up about the entire incident. He said that Virat Kohli accidentally bumped him but mentioned that he, too, was trying to get into the contest. 
Sam Konstas revealed that he was trying to bring out the best version of himself. He feels that things getting heated up brought the best out of him, and he wants to carry on the confidence in the second innings. Speaking to reporters, he explained: 
"I was just doing my gloves. I think he accidentally bumped me. I think that's just cricket, just the tension. For me, I was just trying to get into the contest. 
"I was just trying to bring the best version of myself against whoever I was facing. It got heated at times, but that's good for me. I feel it brings the best out of me. Hopefully, it carries on in the next innings.". 
Konstas was the shining light for Australia on Day 1. The batter played aggressively and scored 60 runs off 65 balls, which ensured Australia got off to a brutal start with the bat.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>

Australia batter Sam Konstas opened up about his fight with Virat Kohli during Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against India.

"It carries on in the next innings" - Sam Konstas breaks silence on fight with Virat Kohli

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India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has revealed why Shubman Gill was dropped from the team for the fourth Test against Australia, which is taking place in Melbourne. He mentioned that the batter isn't dropped but couldn't find way in the combination. 
The fourth Test between India and Australia commenced on Thursday (26th December). It is a Boxing-day Test, which is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne and saw the enthralling day of cricket on Day 1 of the match. 
India's team made a massive change going into the game as young batter Shubman Gill was dropped from the team. In his place, the Rohit Sharma-led side included all-rounder, Washington Sundar, looking at the conditions, which looked pretty flat on Day 1 of the match. 
Shubman Gill getting dropped didn't go well with many fans and experts as they lashed out at the Indian team management for their poor decision. This is because the right-hander is the second-leading run-getter for the team in the longest format of the game this year, with over 800 runs. 
<h2> I feel for Shubman but he understands - Abhishek Nayar </h2>
But, Abhishek Nayar, Indian assistant coach, confirmed that Shubman isn't dropped. He said that he felt that Washington Sundar could be handy on the wicket along with Ravindra Jadeja. While mentioning that he feels for the young batter, Nayar said the batter was on the same page with the Team. Speaking to reporters, he said: 
"Looking at the pitch, we felt Washi could give solidarity along with Jaddu. I feel for Shubman but he understands. He’s not really dropped, just couldn’t find his way in the combination." 
Not only this, Abhishek Nayar also confirmed that Rohit Sharma will be opening the innings for the team. This means that KL Rahul will walk out to bat at No.3 and the team management would be hoping that the move pays off and India wins the game. 
Coming to the match, Australia had a great day with the bat after opting to bat first. They piled up a massive total of 311 runs, with the top four batters slamming half-centuries and putting India bowlers under pressure. It remains to be seen what will be India's response on Day 2.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>

India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has revealed why Shubman Gill was dropped from the team for the fourth Test against Australia

Abhishek Nayar opens up about why Shubman Gill was dropped! Reveals where will Rohit Sharma bat at MCG

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In the currently ongoing fourth Test-Match of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India in Melbourne, elite Indian batter Virat Kohli collided with 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas. A video of this incident is going viral on social media platforms. 
A heated argument took place between the two players on the field and the umpires were forced to intervene and cool down the situation. But the question which arises is, will the ICC suspend Kohli from participating in the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy match? In this article, we will be taking a look at the ICC rule under which the former Indian skipper can be proven guilty. 
<h2>What exactly happened on the field in Melbourne? </h2>
First of all, let's know what exactly happened on the field. Indian vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah was bowling the 11th over of the match and debutant Sam Konstas was hitting big shots constantly off the bowling of Mohammed Siraj and even Bumrah himself. 
Watch the full video here- <a href="https://x.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1872075886947881321" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli vs Sam Konstas</a>
In such a situation, during the 11th over while cleaning the ball, Kohli was moving towards Konstas and at that point of time, both of them collided with each other as the former Indian skipper clashed his shoulder with the youngster. On watching the video carefully, it can be seen that Virat did the shoulder clash on purpose with the 19-year-old.
<h2>What do the rules of ICC say? </h2>
According to the rulebook of the ICC, article 2.1 states that a player can be punished if he gets involved in inappropriate physical-contact with a opposition player, support staff of the players, match-referee, umpires or any other person on the Cricket field. 
Such incidents have happened before in the past and considering the history of such incidents, Virat will not be getting harsh punishment like a one-match suspension or ban. However, the match-referee can definitely give the 35-year-old a demerit point and a deduction in his match-fee as a punishment. 
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Blow for India: Virat Kohli suffered punishment for his physical altercation with Australia debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG</a>

<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/big-blow-for-india-virat-kohli-suffered-punishment-for-his-physical-altercation-with-australia-debutant-sam-konstas-at-the-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">. </a>

Sam Konstas (L) of Australia and Virat Kohli (R) of Indian exchanging words with each other in the Boxing-Day Test-Match in Melbourne as Ravindra Jadeja of India (C) watches | Image: Getty Images

In ongoing Boxing-Day Test between Australia and India, a heated moment took place on the field as experienced Indian player Virat Kohli got involved in a shoulder clash with 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas. We will take a look at whether ICC can suspend Kohli or not for this incident.

Will ICC suspend Virat Kohli from playing in the final BGT Test match for clashing with Sam Konstas in Melbourne?

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VIRAT Kohli Vs SAM Konstat: The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground turned fiery during the morning session as Virat Kohli and debutant Sam Konstas found themselves in a mid-pitch showdown. The clash unfolded in the 10th over when Kohli, with the ball in hand, and Konstas, walking from the crease, bumped shoulders unexpectedly.
Both players stopped in their tracks, turning back to exchange sharp words. It wasn’t long before Usman Khawaja, Konstas’ opening partner, stepped in to defuse the tension, putting a calming arm around Kohli. Although the argument didn’t last long, it was enough to set the tone for a charged session.
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO- <a href="https://x.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1872075886947881321">CLICK HERE</a>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_676ce4a4c251e.jpg" alt="">
Replays added layers to the drama, revealing Kohli straying far from his position on the field and walking into Konstas’ path. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting didn't hold back, providing commentary on Channel 7. “Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind,” he remarked, suggesting Kohli deliberately sought the encounter.
Sam Konstas, later reflecting on the incident with Channel 7, dismissed it as a heat-of-the-moment scuffle. “I didn’t even realize it was happening at first,” said the 19-year-old. “I was adjusting my gloves, and then there was this shoulder bump. These things happen in cricket, though.”
The fiery exchange also drew comments from umpiring legend Simon Taufel, who pointed out that the collision might fall under “inappropriate physical contact” as per the ICC Code of Conduct. “Virat clearly changed his line and entered Sam’s personal space. This will likely be reviewed after play,” Taufel explained.
Even Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar weighed in, saying, “These things are avoidable. It’s like walking down a crowded street—you see someone coming, and you just sidestep. It doesn’t make you any smaller. We don’t want this on the cricket field.” Gavaskar also speculated that fines could be in order, depending on how the match officials interpreted the footage.
Despite the confrontation, Konstas made a memorable Test debut. After a slow start, he unleashed a dazzling counterattack, reverse-scooping Jasprit Bumrah for a six over slips and later pulling off a more traditional scoop for four. His audacity shook the Indian bowling attack, and he raced to 60 runs off just 65 balls before Ravindra Jadeja trapped him lbw before lunch.
As tensions simmered on and off the field, the incident between Kohli and Konstas became the highlight of the day’s play. While debates raged over whether Kohli crossed the line, the focus ultimately shifted back to the young Australian, who showed remarkable poise and skill under pressure, making his mark in one of cricket’s most iconic rivalries.
READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/preview/watch-virat-vs-sam-konstas-on-field-heated-exchange-sunil-gavaskar-not-impressed/">Shocking! Pakistan drops Abdullah Shafique as they announce XI for the Boxing-day Test against SA</a>

Virat Kohli and debutant Sam Konstas clashed mid-pitch during the Boxing Day Test, sparking debates over sportsmanship. Despite the altercation, Konstas shone with a bold 60-run knock, impressing on his Test debut.

Kohli's heated encounter with debutant Konstas added drama to the MCG Test, but Konstas stole the show with his fearless batting.

WATCH Virat vs Sam Konstas on-field Heated Exchange! Sunil Gavaskar NOT Impressed

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The fourth Test and the Boxing-Day Test-Match of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India kicks off from tomorrow. The series is currently level at 1-1 as the third Test-Match in Brisbane ended in a draw. The upcoming Boxing-Day Test will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and this proves to be a major boost to the confidence of the Indian Team. 
The MCG is a ground where the Men in Blue have created a lot of records. In the last 76 years, the Indians have participated in 14 Test-Matches in Melbourne and have managed to win four of them
<h2>Face to face</h2>
The Blue Army have not lost a single match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) since the the Boxing-Day Test-Match in December of 2011. They have secured victories in one contest and two encounters have ended as draws. Overall, Team India has managed to reign supreme in four contests out of 14, suffering defeats in the other eight games. Two games have ended as draws. 
<h3>Team India at the MCG</h3>
The Men in Blue secured a comfortable win in the 2021-22 Boxing-Day Test-Match versus the Mighty Aussies even without Virat Kohli. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane's brilliant knock of 112 runs were crucial in the team's victory. 
In the BGT series of 2018-19, the Indians secured yet another victory which was also their first at the MCG since 2011, thanks to Cheteshwar Pujara's 106 runs knock and the nine wickets taken by Jasprit Bumrah. The 2014-15 MCG Boxing-Day Test-Match between Australia and India ended in a draw. 
The Men in Blue played their 1st test at the MCG in 1948 and it was the third match of the five-match Test-Series versus the Kangaroos. The Australians ended up winning that match by a comfortable margin of 233 runs. The main highlight of that contest was two back-to-back centuries by the legendary Sir Don Bradman. Vinoo Mankad also slammed a hundred for the Indian Team. 
The Men in Blue won their first ever Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the year 1977 thanks to Bhagwat Chandrasekhar's 12-wicket haul and a century by the legendary Sunil Gavaskar in the third inning of that contest. The team won that encounter by a margin of 222 runs. 
Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-getter for India at the MCG with 449 runs at an average of 44.9. The most wickets are taken by Anil Kumble and Jasprit Bumrah. Both have taken 15 wickets each. India's highest score at the venue is 465, scored in 2014-15. Kohli has scored 316 runs at the MCG at an average of 52.66. That is why Indian fans are eagerly waiting for the Kohli-Bumrah partnership.

Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-smith-and-cummins-eye-huge-milestones-in-boxing-day-test-versus-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IND vs AUS: Smith and Cummins eye huge milestones in Boxing Day Test versus India</a>

KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill of India celebrating a wicket with Mohammed Siraj in the Gabba Test-Match | Image: Getty Images

The Indian Cricket Team haven't lost a single match at the MCG since 2011 and this ground has proven to be a lucky one for them. They have played 14 Tests in Melbourne in the last 76 years, winning four of them.

BGT: Team India hasn't lost a single game in Melbourne since 2011! Know the Men in Blue's record at their lucky stadium

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India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has touched another feather of greatness following his heroics with the ball in Test cricket. The vice-captain of the Indian Test team now has the joint highest rating by an Indian bowler in Test ranking, equalling Ravichandran Ashwin with 904 rating points. 
Jasprit Bumrah also becomes the first fast bowler from India to reach 904 ratings in the ICC Test rankings. The premier fast bowler achieved the feat after his sensational performance with the ball in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which took place at the Gabba in Brisbane. 
Jasprit Bumrah picked 6 wickets in the first innings and followed it up with a three-wicket haul in the second innings. The vice-captain of the Indian Test team will now have a great chance to go past Ravichandran Ashwin's tally of 904 rating points as there are still two games left in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
<h2>Jasprit Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25</h2>
Jasprit Bumrah, who is the No.1 ranked Test bowler, is also the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The fast bowler has taken 21 wickets in the three games that he has played in the series and has troubled the opposition pacers. 
Jasprit Bumrah has looked in golden touch in the ongoing series against Australia. The fast bowler will be extremely crucial for the Indian team in the last two games of the series. He will be the key for India and would want to carry on his golden form with bat. 
If India has to fancy their chances of winning the last two series of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Jasprit Bumrah surely will have to bring his A game. The premier pacer also would want some support from the other players in the team as they looked to seal the series. 
The Test series between India and Australia is levelled at 1-1. If the Rohit Sharma-led manage to win even one game in the series, they will retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Also, they need to win two games to reach the final of the ICC World Test Championship.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-player-battles-to-watch-out-for-in-the-fourth-ind-vs-aus-test-at-the-mcg/">3 Player Battles to Watch out for in the Fourth IND vs AUS Test at the MCG</a>

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has touched another feather of greatness following his heroics with the ball in Test cricket

Jasprit Bumrah equals Ravichandran Ashwin's massive record and becomes the first Indian pacer to...

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The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia is just a sleep away from now. The match between the teams is all set to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne from Thursday (26th December). 
India has been training hard to prepare for the Boxing Day Test and has almost ticked every box right. But as per the various reports, it is learned that the Rohit Sharma-led side is expected to make a few changes in the team going into the game, looking at conditions. 
<h2>There is a lot of debate going around Shubman Gill's batting ahead of the MCG Test </h2>
One of the biggest changes that is expected on the cards is that skipper Rohit Sharma will be taking his opening spot and will walk out to bat at the start with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Not only this, KL Rahul, who has done a great job as an opener, will be asked to bat at No.3 in the MCG Test. 
With Rohit Sharma moving to top and KL Rahul at No.3, the situation becomes tricky for Shubman Gill. As per the reports in Cricbuzz, it is learned that there is a lot of debate going around his batting ahead of the Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Shubman Gill, who hasn't scored a Test half-century outside India since 2021, might even get dropped. This is because the reports suggest that they might look to add another spinner in the team in Washington Sundar, and to fit him in the XI, Gill or Nitish Reddy might have to make way.
By removing Shubman Gill, India will be having an extra bowling action and they might be tempted to do that. This is because Nitish Kumar Reddy has shown great promise as a batter in the series and has also been decent with the ball as well in the series. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-player-battles-to-watch-out-for-in-the-fourth-ind-vs-aus-test-at-the-mcg/">3 Player Battles to Watch out for in the Fourth IND vs AUS Test at the MCG</a>
Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test in Perth, hasn't been able to make valuable contributions to the team. He had starts in Adelaide but failed to get going and in Gabba, he got out while playing rash shot. The batter has scored just 60 runs in the three innings.

With Rohit Sharma moving to top and KL Rahul at No.3, the situation becomes tricky for Shubman Gill.

Shubman Gill's place in massive doubt! Will the batter play the Boxing-day Test?

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Australia Cricket Team's test skipper Pat Cummins and elite batter Steven Smith are on the brink of securing significant-milestones ahead of the Boxing-Day Test-Match versus Team India. 
Smith, who brought an end to his 25-inning hundred drought in the Gabba Test-Match which ended in a draw, possesses an incredible record with the bat in Boxing-Day Test-Matches as he has amassed 1,093 runs in 11 games at an unbelievable average of 78.07, with four hundreds and five half-centuries next to his name.
The 35-year-old is away by just 191 runs to reach the milestone of 10,000 runs in the longest format of the game and become just the fourth Aussie batter to achieve the massive landmark after Allan Border, Ricky Ponting and the legendary Steve Waugh. 
Smith's current runs tally in Test-Matches stands at 9,809 runs after taking part in 112 games and 200 innings, with an amazing average of 56.05 and he has also scored 33 hundreds and 41 half centuries. 
Pat Cummins on the other hand, is also approaching yet another huge milestone as he is close to completing 500 wickets in International Cricket.
The 31-year-old pacer needs to dismiss eight more batters to become just the seventh Aussie bowler to pick up 500 wickets in International Cricket after the likes of the legendary Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Glenn McGrath, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon. 
The Australian skipper has currently picked up 492 wickets at a really good average of 24.53, with his best figures standing at 6-23 and he also has 14 five-wicket-hauls next to his name.
<h2>Australia's Playing 11 for the Boxing-Day Test-Match versus India</h2>
Pat Cummins (Captain), Sam Konstas, Alex Carey (WK), Mitch Marsh, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Travis Head and Scott Boland.

Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-4th-test-dream-11-teams-h2h-record-pitch-report-weather-report-and-more/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IND vs AUS 4th Test: Dream 11 Teams, H2H Record, Pitch Report, Weather Report and more</a>

Steve Smith (L) and Pat Cummins (R) of Australia | Image: Getty Images

The Australian duo of Steven Smith and Pat Cummins are anticipated to play an important role in helping Australia win the BGT after 10 years. Both of them are also looking to secure massive milestones in the Boxing-Day Test-Match versus India

IND vs AUS: Smith and Cummins eye huge milestones in Boxing Day Test versus India

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The highly anticipated high-intensity encounter between fierce-rivals India and Australia is set to unfold in the fourth Test-Match of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy, a match which has created a lot of excitement &amp; buzz among fans and Cricket enthusiasts. 
Known as the Boxing-Day Test-Match, this iconic contest will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from the 26th of December onwards, kicking off at 5:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST). As the series is level at 1-1, fans are eager to see which team will take the series lead in this battle between the fierce-rivals
The road to this all-important Boxing-Day Test-Match has been a rollercoaster ride for both teams. The Rohit Sharma-led team started the series on a strong note, securing a dominant 295-runs victory in the Perth Test-Match only for the Mighty Australians to bounce back on a strong note, reigning supreme in the Adelaide Test-Match by a comfortable margin of 10 wickets. 
The Gabba Test-Match was a really important and exciting one for both sides but due to constant rain interruptions, the contest ended in a draw. However, immediately post the conclusion of that match, Indian Cricket Team's elite off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his decision to retire from International Cricket, leaving fans and Cricket enthusiasts shocked.
As the Boxing-Day Test-Match emerges closer and closer, questions regarding the Starting XI will be asked. Will Indian Captain Rohit Sharma fit enough to play in the 4th Test? Sharma's participation in the Melbourne Test-Match is eagerly anticipated, as is the potential inclusion of Australia's hard hitting batter Travis Head who is facing some injury related issues too. In this article, we will be taking a look at the best possible Dream 11 team and other related information to the game.
<h2>IND vs AUS: Head-2-Head records in Test Cricket between Australia and India</h2>
Fierce-rivals Australia and India have played a total of 110 Test-Matches versus each other and out of these 110 encounters, the Men in Blue have triumphed on 33 occasions while the Mighty Australians have had the upperhand over the Indians as they have reigned supreme in 46 contests. 30 matches between the two sides have ended in a draw while one contest ended in a tie.
<h3>IND vs AUS 4th Test: Pitch-Report of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) </h3>
In recent years, the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has created pitches which prove to be favourable for the seamers making a bowling paradise for the speedsters. While the MCG surface lacks the sharp bouncy nature of the Optus Stadium of Perth or the helpful seam-movement of the Gabba Stadium, it's 6mm grass-covering makes it's surface a favourable one for the fast bowlers. 
As the game progresses and the pitch starts to wear out, the spinners will then start coming into the game. Overall, the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match promises to be an even encounter between bat and ball.
<h2>IND vs AUS 4th Test: Weather Forecast of Melbourne</h2>
The weather forecast of the fourth Test-Match in Melbourne is going to prove to be a mixed-bag. On the first day of the contest (26th of December), there's a 50% chance of rain interrupting with the proceedings of the game, with strong-winds anticipated in the evening period. The second day is also expected to be a rain affected one, with possible showers in the morning hours. 
However, the weather conditions are anticipated to see improvisations from the 3rd day onwards, with the rain percentage reducing to 30%. The fourth and fifth days of the contest are expected to have minimal rain interruptions, offering better playing conditions.
<h2>IND vs AUS 4th Test: When and Where to watch the match live in India? </h2>
The Boxing-Day Test-Match between fierce-rivals India and Australia will kick off from Thursday, 26th of December onwards. The proceedings of the contest will start from 5:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) onwards and Indian fans can tune into the Star Sports 1 &amp; Star Sports 1-HD channels to catch the live action of the contest. The Hindi coverage of the Boxing-Day Test-Match can be watched live on the Star Sports 1 Hindi and Star Sports 1 Hindi HD channels. 
For the OTT lovers, the application &amp; website of Disney + Hotstar will be offering live-streaming services for the forthcoming match.
<h2>IND vs AUS 4th Test: Best Dream 11 team for the forthcoming contest between Australia and India</h2>
Wicket Keepers: Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul
Batters: Travis Head, Virat Kohli and Steven Smith
All Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Reddy
Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell Starc and Mohammed Siraj
<h2>IND vs AUS 4th Test: Best player options for Captain and Vice-Captain | Dream 11</h2>
Captain: Jasprit Bumrah, Travis Head
Vice-Captain: Mitchell Starc, Steven Smith

Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-4th-test-mcg-pitch-report-ground-conditions-and-weather-forecast/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IND vs AUS 4th Test: MCG Pitch Report, Ground Conditions, and Weather Forecast</a>

Ravindra Jadeja of India scored a brilliant half-century in the Gabba Test-Match versus Australia | Image: Getty Images

The Boxing-Day Test-Match between India and Australia promises to be a really exciting and exciting encounter with the series currently level at 1-1, both sides would be looking to make full use of the conditions on offer and take the lead in the series. In this article, we will be taking a look at various details related to the match