IND vs AUS: The fifth and final test between India and Australia will begin at 5 AM on January 3. This will be the last chance for Team India to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and stay in the race for the World Test Championship final. If they lose, they will lose both these great things. Australia are currently trailing 2-1 in the series and will enter the final test as favorites.
India need to find out ways to get runs from their batters and also support Jasprit Bumrah with other bowlers. We might see some changes in the playing XI for the final test. But all in all, it is expected to be a great battle between two powerhouses. Here we will talk about the top three player battles to watch out for in the fifth IND vs AUS test.
<h2>Three Top Player Battlers to watch out for in Fifth IND vs AUS test at SCG</h2>
1. Yashavi Jaiswal vs Mitchell Starc
Indian young opener Yashavi Jaiswal is the leading scorer for India in the ongoing IND vs AUS test series. He has scored 359 runs in four tests at an average of 51.29. Jasiwal scored 82 and 84 in two innings of the fourth test. India will hope he continues his form and scores runs.
If he gets set, he plays big innings; that's where Australia will rely on Mitchell Starc. This has been an exciting battle to watch so far in four tests. Jaiswal loves to take on Starc, and the pacer has had his number a few times. Starc has dismissed Jaiswal four times in tests this year, and Jaiswal scored 107 runs against him.
2. Rohit Sharma &amp; Virat Kohli vs Pat Cummins
The Australian captain, Pat Cummins, is one of the best modern-day bowlers for sure. He is just ahead of the opposition batter and loves to dominate. He played a crucial role in Australia winning the MCG test and won the Player of the Match award.
Meanwhile, for India, runs from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as these two have struggled badly. There are questions on their position in the team, and they have this last chance. But Cummins will not make it easy for them. The Australian captain has troubled these two stars many times. Cummins has dismissed Rohit 8 times in tests and dismissed Virat 5 times.
3. Travis Head &amp; Steve Smith vs Jasprit Bumrah
India were able to contain Travis Head in the fourth test, but Steve Smith slammed a brilliant ton. These two have scored two centuries each in the IND vs AUS test and have become a big headache for India. Hence, the visitors will look to go with the plan against them.
That's where Jasprit Bumrah will have a vital role. Bumrah has enjoyed bowling against the best, and these two certainly are. Bumrah has dismissed Head six times in tests, including four in 2024, while Bumrah has dismissed Smith four times in tests, including three times in 2024.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/gambhir-vs-agarkar-selection-committee-declined-head-coach-s-request-of-cheteshwar-pujara-s-inclusion-for-bgt-2024-25-reports/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gambhir vs Agarkar? Selection Committee declined Head Coach's request of Cheteshwar Pujara's inclusion for BGT 2024-25: Reports</a>

Australia are leading the ongoing IND vs AUS test series 2-1. The fifth and final test will begin at 5 AM on Friday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

3 Player Battles to Watch out for in the fifth IND vs AUS Test at the SCG

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IND vs AUS: The stage is set, and Team India will square off against Australia for the final time in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The hosts started the series brilliantly with a win over Australia in Perth. But that has been the only good performance for India so far.
After that the visitors are only chasing the momentum while Australia have been very dominant in their performances. Their relentless bowling attack with some game-changing contributions from the batters has helped them to take a 2-1 lead. For India, Jasprit Bumrah has been the shining light throughout the series, who has been the lone survivor for India.
The final test will kick off at 5 AM on Friday at the Sydney Cricket Stadium. India might be bringing in Shubman Gill and Prasidh Krishna in for Rohit Sharma and Akashdeep, and it will be Bumrah who will lead the team. He will also have some big records in front of him to achieve in the fifth and final test at the SCG.
<h2>IND vs AUS: Jasprit Bumrah eyes an all-time BGT record in the fifth and final test at SCG</h2>
Jasprit Bumrah has been superb in this series so far. He has taken a total of 30 wickets in four tests at an average of 12.83 and a strike rate of 28.26. He has taken three fifers and two four-wicket hauls. Meanwhile, the second highest wicket-taker in the series is Pat Cummins with 20 wickets. That tells the difference between Bmrah and the rest of the bowlers.
He has been phenomenal this series. But it is not over yet. The ace Indian pacer will have a couple of big records in front of him to achieve. One of them will be the record for most wickets in a Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Currently, former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh holds this record. He took 30 wickets in three tests during BGT 2000-01.
Bumrah is the only second bowler to take 30 wickets in a BGT trophy in history. He is just three wickets away from breaking Harbhajan's record and adding another milestone to his kitty. Apart from this, Bumrah is also near to breaking the 52-year-old record by Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, who took 35 wickets in a test series against England in 1972-73.
That tally of 35 wickets is the most wickets by an Indian bowler in a test series. Bumrah need six more wickets, and the way he is going, it looks possible that he might break this record as well. Notably, India need this win to retain the BGT trophy and also stay alive in the WTC final race.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-player-battles-to-watch-out-for-in-the-fifth-ind-vs-aus-test-at-the-scg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 Player Battles to Watch out for in the fifth IND vs AUS Test at the SCG</a>

Jasprit Bumrah has taken 30 wickets in the four tests at a record-breaking average of 12.83. He is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Jasprit Bumrah on the cusp of rewriting history; eyes two all-time bowling records in the final test at SCG

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Team India are all set to face Australia in the fifth and final test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. This clash will be played between January 3-7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. India have been going through a transition period, and they are trying their best to survive in the World Test Championship.
Not just this, India are on the verge of losing the BGT trophy for the first time since 2014. This will add salt to their wounds as the WTC final is also on the line. However, just hours ahead of the start of the fifth test, the Indian camp dropped a bombshell.
The Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who is going through a rough patch, has been dropped from the playing XI, and Jasprit Bumrah will lead the visitors in the SCG test. This has come as massive news for Indian fans, as there have been some rumours about Rohit Sharma's retirement from test cricket.
<h2>List of Indian Captains to be dropped from playing XI midway through the series</h2>
Rohit Sharma has been going through a tough run. He has scored only 164 runs in the last 8 tests and scored the 50-run mark only once. His form has certainly made a big difference in India's poor run in Test cricket for the last couple of months. India lost their first-ever home test series since 2012 and suffered a series defeat.
Rohit missed the first test in Perth, and Bumrah led India to a tremendous win. The Indian captain joined the team in the second test. He has scored 32 runs in three tests at an average of 6.20. His poor run raises questions on his place as India dropped Shubman Gill from the team in the fourth test.
But now, Rohit is likely to be dropped from the playing XI for the fifth test. The Indian captain wasn't even fully involved in the practice sessions in Sydney. But if he misses the fifth test, it will be a historic moment in Indian cricket history. It is because this is the first time that an Indian captain has been dropped from a playing XI in the midway through the international series.
And this is the first occurrence since 2014 that a captain has had to sit out in an international series. Last time it was Misbah-ul-Haq who decided to sit out from the third ODI against Australia, and Shahid Afridi replaced him as captain. If we look at the history, England's Mike Denness was the first captain to decide to sit out during the fourth Test of the Ashes 1974.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/jasprit-bumrah-on-the-cusp-of-rewriting-history-eyes-two-all-time-bowling-records-in-the-final-test-at-scg/">Jasprit Bumrah on the cusp of rewriting history; eyes two all-time bowling records in the final test at SCG</a>

Jasprit Bumrah is likely to replace Rohit Sharma as captain in the fifth and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Rohit Sharma to be dropped from 5th Test: List of Indian Captains to be dropped midway through a series

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Virat Kohli has been going through a rough phase with the bat, where he is struggling to get runs and looking confused in the middle. His poor form continues as he got out after a rusty innings of 17 off 69 balls on Day 1 of the fifth test. He looked struggling, and you don't see Virat taking so many balls and not hitting a single boundary.
His form has declined drastically as compared to his numbers in 2023. He had an incredible year and scored runs consistently. But in 2024, he couldn't carry on that form. Virat played 23 matches across formats in 2024 and scored 655 runs at a below-par average of 21.83.
He only crossed the 50-run mark thrice in 32 innings. Even in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he has scored only 184 runs in 8 innings, which also includes that unbeaten century in Perth. That means he has only scored 84 runs in the remaining seven innings.
<h2>Is it time to drop Virat Kohli after Rohit Sharma?</h2>
Similarly, the Indian captain also struggled with his form, and he decided to opt out of the fifth test. So, will we see something similar with the former Indian captain Virat Kohli? The Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has always advocated for preferring players who are in good form. That we saw when Rohit had to make way for Shubman Gill for the ongoing fifth test. So, is it time to drop Virat Kohli from the team?
The 36-year-old has retired from T20Is and is in the final phase of his career. On this Australian soil, he has struggled to play the balls outside off and continuously gotten out while poking at the ball. He has reached a stage where his batting average in the first innings of a test is even lower than Jasprit Bumrah's.
This is true; Bumrah is averaging more than India's premier batter since 2024 in the first innings of a test. Since 2024, Virat is averaging 7 in the first innings, which is the second-lowest for any batsman who has played five or more innings. Bumrah, who is known for the ball in hand, averages 8 in the first innings of a test.
These numbers certainly raise more concern about Virat's position in the team. If we look at the overall stats, South Africa's Keshav Maharaj (5.4) has the lowest average on this list; then it is Virat. These are some big signs that the Indian stalwart seems to have lost his confidence, and that too when the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just a month away.
India will hope that Virat can get back to his best, as he will be an important player for the mega event. Speaking of his test form, India will play their next test after the SCG test in June. So, there is a long time to decide his place in test cricket.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/jasprit-bumrah-on-the-cusp-of-rewriting-history-eyes-two-all-time-bowling-records-in-the-final-test-at-scg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jasprit Bumrah on the cusp of rewriting history; eyes two all-time bowling records in the final test at SCG</a>

Virat Kohli got out after scoring 17 runs off 69 balls in the first innings of the fifth and final test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Is Virat Kohli next to be dropped? Virat averages less than Burmah in First Innings since 2024

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India suffered a massive blow when ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah left the field on Day 2 of the ongoing fifth and final test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. On the second day, Bumrah only bowled 8 more overs and was seen in discomfort.
He left the field just after lunch on day 1 after bowling one over. He had a word with Virat Kohli, who led the team in his absence. Later he was seen going to the hospital for precautionary scans and left SCG with security liaison officer Anshuman Upadhyay and the team doctor.
It left India with no choice, and the other pacers had to share the workload. However, the Indian bowlers bowled pretty well and dismissed Australia for 181 runs in 51 overs, giving a four-run lead to India, but Bumrah's injury became the talking point of the town.
<h2>Jasprit Bumrah's injury update: Pacer returns to SCG after undergoing scans</h2>
It came as a body blow to the touring team, who were already struggling to survive in the series, when Jasprit Bumrah had to leave the ground. After a wait of a couple of hours, the pacer returned at the venue around 11:15 AM IST on Saturday. However, he was in discomfort when he left the field, but when he came back, he looked pretty relaxed.
It can be a confidence booster for Team India and fans, as Bumrah's body language indicated that there is no sign of worry. Notably, India will be bowling in the fourth innings, and they need their best bowler at his full throttle. Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing series. He has taken 32 wickets at an exceptional average of 13.05.
Even on Day 2, he took an important wicket of Marnus Labuschagne. In his absence, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj stepped up and bowled pretty well. Both pacers took three wickets each, and Nitish Kumar Reddy also supported them with two vital wickets.
At the stumps on Day 2, India finished at 141/6, and they have a lead of 145 with four wickets in hand. Ravindra Jadeja (8 off 39) and Washington Sundar (6 off 17) are at the crease. The Indian top order failed once again, but it was Rishabh Pant who slammed India's second-fastest fifty off 29 balls.
He scored 61 off 33 balls, with six fours and four sixes to bring back India into the game. However, India lost a couple of wickets at the very end, which has made the game pretty even. But India would hope to have a sizable lead of around 200 runs, and with Bumrah completely fit, they will fancy their chances on this tough pitch.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-players-who-can-replace-rohit-sharma-at-the-top-if-he-announces-his-retirement-after-the-scg-test/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 Players who can replace Rohit Sharma at the top if he announces his retirement after the SCG Test</a>

Jasprit Bumrah left Sydney Cricket Ground on Day 2 after feeling discomfort. He went for scans with the doctor and has returned back.

Jasprit Bumrah's Injury Update: Pacers Returns to SCG after Precautionary Scans

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Day 3 of the fifth and final test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground ended India's one-and-a-half-month-long tour of Australia. With that, Australia also ended their long wait to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and won it with a margin of 3-1.
Apart from the first test, Australia dominated India throughout the series, including the third day at SCG. As a result, the Australian crowd was also animated and tried to put pressure on Team India. But Virat Kohli, who is known for his passionate persona, came up with his own way to answer.
<h2>IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli mocks Australian crowd with "Sandpapar" gesture on Day 3</h2>
The Australian crowd has a history of involvement with visiting teams time and time again, and this BGT 2024-25 was not new. There were many instances during the series when they targeted Indian players. Especially when it comes to Virat Kohli, the Australian crowd often welcomes him or reacts to his actions with boos. But Virat has always been the approach of giving it back.
Something similar happened on Sunday as well. Notably, Virat was the stand-in captain in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Responding to Australian crowds, Virat gestures with his "empty pocket." This incident happened just when Steve Smith got out on Day 3. Smith was part of the infamous "Sandpapergate" incident during a Cape Town test against South Africa in 2018.
Australia used sandpaper in order to tamper with the cricket ball to get more reverse swing from the ball. Unfortunately for them, it was caught on camera, and players involved in it, Smith, along with David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, faced bans. As a result, Virat was seen doing the "sandpapar" gesture after Smith's wickets to provoke the Australian fans.
As soon as it happened, the video of the incident went viral, and everyone was talking about it on social media. Speaking of the game, India started Day 3 at 142/6 and were bowled out for 157 runs, setting a target of 161 to win. Australia reached the target with six wickets in hand and registered the 3-1 series win. It was their first BGT win since 2014-15. With this, they also qualified for the final of the World Test Championship 2023-25.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-big-positives-for-team-india-from-the-embarrassing-bgt-series-loss-against-australia/">3 Big Positives for Team India from the Embarrassing BGT Series Loss against Australia</a>

Virat Kohli was the Stand-in captain for Team India in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

Watch: Virat Kohli teases the over-aggressive Australian crowd with "Sandpapar" gesture on Day 3

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India dominated Pakistan with Kohli’s century and disciplined bowling, securing a 6-wicket victory. Pakistan’s 241 wasn’t enough as India chased comfortably, sealing a semifinal spot and virtually eliminating Pakistan from the tournament.

IND vs PAK: REVENGED! KING KOHLI Stars as India Crushed Pakistan by 6 Wickets

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After getting hit for a four, Shaheen Afridi came up with a brutal reply as he made India captain Rohit Sharma look clueless.

Watch: Shaheen Afridi takes his revenge! Bamboozles Rohit Sharma with a brutal yorker

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Pakistan National Cricket Team put hard yards in their preparations for the game against India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

IND vs PAK: Pakistan ordered to win at any cost against India in 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

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Babar Azam, as per the reports, is down with viral just like India's Rishabh Pant.

Babar Azam ruled out of India game in 2025 ICC Champions Trophy? Batter suffers...

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India and Pakistan's fierce ICC rivalry continues, with India dominating overall but Pakistan excelling in the Champions Trophy. Shubman Gill’s record-breaking form adds excitement to this high-stakes clash.

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