IND vs AFG: Team India are all set to start their <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/5-players-to-watch-out-for-in-t20-world-cup-2024/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/5-players-to-watch-out-for-in-t20-world-cup-2024/">Super 8 journey</a> on Thursday. They will face Afghanistan in match no. 43 at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. India will also be facing Australia and Bangladesh need to win two games at least to make it to the semis. That's why the IND vs AFG clash is very important. Though Afghanistan have never beaten India in a match across formats but India can't take them lightly after the way they have performed in this tournament.



Afghanistan finished second in their group and beat New Zealand comprehensively. Adding to that, their bowling attack is well suited for the conditions, and they have the skills to beat any team on their day. Afghanistan have already given tough times to India in the past and have come close to winning some matches. That's what former Indian selector and 1983 World Cup-winning member Kris Srikkanth also said recently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kris Srikkanth warns Team Rohit Sharma and co. ahead of the IND vs AFG Clash</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/06/1983-WC-winning-Star-gives-winning-Mantra-to-Rohit-Sharma-ahead-of-IND-vs-AFG-Clash-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-140843" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Google</figcaption></figure>



There will be a few areas that Team India need to address ahead of the IND vs AFG game. The form of <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rohit_Sharma" data-type="link" data-id="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rohit_Sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> and <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/reasons-why-virat-kohli-must-open/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/reasons-why-virat-kohli-must-open/">Virat Kohli</a> is a concern, while Indian spinners didn't have enough gametime so far. Meanwhile, Afghanistan have played their four games in West Indies and have a better knowledge of the conditions here. Kris Srikkanth also highlighted that Afghanistan's bowling unit is in great form.



In an interview ahead of IND vs AFG clash, with Star Sports, Srikkanth said, "You can?t take things lightly against Afghanistan. They have a good team and a terrific bowling side. So, I was the Indian captain, if I was Rohit Sharma, I would like to bat first. Don?t let Afghanistan bat first because if that happens, they will score around 160?170 and their bowlers are good enough to maybe defend the total." The 1983 World Cup-winning member also added that Afghanistan have a slightly weaker batting attack and India can pounch on that.



Notably, India and Afghanistan have played eight games in T20Is, and India have won seven of them, while one ended with no result. The last game between the two was a tie, and India won the Super Over. Afghanistan have an excellent spin attack with Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi, while Fazalhaq Farooqi is in excellent form with the new ball. So they will pose a big threat to India. So it will be an exciting game between India's batting and Afghanistan's bowling.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/maharaj-picks-t20-world-cup-2024-semi-finalists/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/maharaj-picks-t20-world-cup-2024-semi-finalists/">Keshav Maharaj picks semi-finalists of T20 World Cup 2024; leaves out England</a>

"If I was Indian Captain..."- 1983 WC-winning Star gives winning Mantra to Rohit Sharma ahead of IND vs AFG Clash|"If I was Indian Captain..."- 1983 WC-winning Star gives winning Mantra to Rohit Sharma ahead of IND vs AFG Clash|1983 WC-winning Star gives winning Mantra to Rohit Sharma ahead of IND vs AFG Clash

"If I was Indian Captain..."- 1983 WC-winning Star gives winning Mantra to Rohit Sharma ahead of IND vs AFG Clash

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India pacer Mohammed Siraj has been called out by the ex-India captain Kris Srikkanth for his fierce send-off to the Australia batter Travis Head. The fast bowler was called brainless and mad by a former Indian selector for his antics during the Adelaide Test. 
Mohammed Siraj has been in the headlines since Day 2 of the Adelaide Test, which was a pink-ball game against the Australia National Cricket Team. This was because of the send-off that he gave to Travis Head, who hit a brutal century in the first innings. 
Travis Head took the game away from India with his brutal batting and made sure that he helped his team win the match. The batter played a glorious innings and slammed a magical century. What caught the attention of many was the way he played, which was quite aggressive and brutal. 
Travis Head showed no mercy on the Indian bowlers as he hit them out of the park. The batter also slammed Mohammed Siraj for a six but that didn't go well with the fast bowler as on the very next ball, he removed the batter with his pinpoint yorker and sent him packing. 
As Mohammed Siraj removed Travis Head, he came up with the aggressive send-off. The bowler celebrated wildly, and then the batter too didn't take that well as he said some harsh words, and then the matter got serious and was all over the news in Australia. 
<h2>Hey Siraj, don't you have brains? What are you doing? - Kris Srikkanth </h2>
But amid all this, former India selector Kris Srikkanth lashed out at Mohammed Siraj for his send-off to Travis Head. He called fast bowler's Sledging to batter as rubbish. Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, he explained: 
"He has smashed the bowling mercilessly. Hey Siraj, don't you have brains? What are you doing? Have you gone mad? He smashed you left, right and centre. He hit boundaries and sixes effortlessly in his knock of 140. You're giving him a send-off 0after that. Is this called Sledging? What rubbish is this? It's just madness,
<h2>One batter has scored 140. Give him credit, and applaud his knock - Kris Srikkanth on Mohammed Siraj </h2>
Kris Srikkanth further added Mohammed Siraj should've applauded Travis Head for his knock. While pointing out that the batter smashed bowlers all over the park, they said that India had no answers to the onslaught. He added: 
"One batter has scored 140. Give him credit, and applaud his knock. Instead of saying 'brilliant knock', you're giving him a send-off? As if, you got him out on 10 or 0, as if you planned it and got his wicket! He smashed you all over. The Indian bowlers had no answers to Head's onslaught. 140 off 141 balls. Look at that. He hit sixes at will. He didn't treat Ashwin as a spinner, he is dancing down the track and smashing him,"  
<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/south-africa-displaces-australia-at-the-top-of-the-wtc-standings-following-their-win-vs-sri-lanka-updated-wtc-points-table/">Both Travis Head and Mohammed Siraj were penalised by the ICC for their antics</a>. But after the game ended, they also clarified the talks between them.

India pacer Mohammed Siraj has been called out by the ex-India captain Kris Srikkanth for his fierce send-off to the Australia batter Travis Head

Mohammed Siraj called mad and brainless as Ex-India captain slams him for his 'rubbish' behaviour against Travis Head

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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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In what promises to be an intense and exciting encounter, Fierce-Rivals Australia and India will be witnessed locking horns versus each other for one last time in the 5th &amp; the final Test-Match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series on Australian Soil. Under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah, the aim of the Men in Blue would be to win this forthcoming contest and retain the precious BGT Trophy. We will also be taking a look at the Dream 11 teams ahead of this exciting encounter. 
Currently, the Pat Cummins-led team are ahead in the series as they have a 2-1 lead and this makes the Sydney Test-Match a must win one for the Men in Blue. Winning this test would also keep Team India's hopes of qualifying for the WTC Final alive. 
<h3>IND vs AUS 5th Test: Team Updates of both teams</h3>
Talking about team updates, the Kangaroos have decided to replace all-rounder Mitchell Marsh with 31-year-old Beautiful Webster in the starting 11 for the Sydney Test-Match. India on the other hand, will have to make a forced change as Akash Deep is set to miss the final contest due to a back injury and Prasidh Krishna is expected to replace him in the team.
<h2>IND vs AUS: Head-2-Head Records in Test Cricket</h2>
Fierce-Rivals Australia and India have faced each other 111 times in Test Cricket and out of these 111 encounters, 47 have been won by the Kangaroos while the Indians have finished out on top on 33 occasions. 30 contests between the two teams have ended in a draw while one encounter got tied. 
<h2>IND vs AUS 5th Test: Pitch-Report of the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) </h2>
Everyone's eyes are on the pitch of Sydney Cricket Ground. Although it is considered to be the most helpful pitch for spin in Australia. But there is a lot of grass on the pitch a day before the match. Now it will be interesting to see whether the grass is removed on the morning of the match or left as it is. Even after having grass, if the match goes on the fourth and fifth day, then there is every possibility of spin getting help. Three of the top-4 bowlers who have taken the most Test wickets on this ground are spinners.
<h2>IND vs AUS 5th Test: Weather Forecast of the match</h2>
According to AccuWeather's report, there will be no rain for the first 4 days while the threat of rain will loom over the match on the last day. There is an 80% chance of rain in Sydney on the 7th of January. The match may also be a draw due to rain, which will not be good news for Team India. If the Sydney Test is drawn, Team India will lose the series 1-2.
<h2>IND vs AUS 5th Test: Best Dream-11 Team for the Sydney Test-Match</h2>
Batters: Travis Head, Steven Smith and Yashasvi Jaiswal
All Rounders: Nitish Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja
Wicket Keepers: Rishabh Pant
Bowlers: Nathan Lyon, Jasprit Bumrah, Scott Boland, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc

Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-rohit-sharma-opts-out-of-sydney-test-massive-updates-about-indian-xi-arrive-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma opts out of Sydney Test, massive updates about Indian XI arrive</a>

Team India players celebrate Australia's first wicket | Image: Cricket Australia

The fifth and the final match of the 2024-25 BGT series is all set to commence from tomorrow i.e 3rd of January between India and Australia and Dream 11 fans looking forward to making a winnable team can reach our article

IND vs AUS 5th Test: Dream 11 Teams, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast and more

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India batter Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are all set to play the three-match ODI series against England. As per the reports in Times of India, it is learned that both the senior batters of the team will be playing the series and have no intention to take a rest. 
A few days ago, some reports claimed that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli won't be playing the three-match ODI series against England. The duo were speculated to be rested to manage their workload, especially after the hectic Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
But it raised many eyeballs as to why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be rested, especially with the three-match ODI series against England being the only series ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The ICC event will be taking place in February-March and it will be a crucial tournament for India. 
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have come under massive pump for their poor returns with the bat. And also with them already announcing their retirement from T20Is, the ODIs against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be extremely important for both the stalwarts. 
The ODI series between England and India will get underway from 6th February at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur. The second game of the series is scheduled to take place on 9th February in Cuttack, followed by the last match to be played on 12th at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 
<h2>Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last played a white-ball game during the ODI series against Sri Lanka</h2>
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last played a white-ball game during the ODI series against Sri Lanka. The two players will have to play a massive part if India needs to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Rohit Sharma-led side will be playing their games in Dubai as the tournament will be played in a Hybrid model. 
Currently, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. Both the players have struggled to get going. The skipper, in particular, has looked torrid and is all set to be dropped from the team for the last match of the series. 
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, slammed a century in the opening match of the series. But after that, has looked torrid with the bat. It remains to be seen how he will fare in the last game of the series.
Read Also: <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/">Gambhir vs Agarkar? Selection Committee declined Head Coach's request of Cheteshwar Pujara's inclusion for BGT 2024-25: Reports</a>

India batter Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are all set to play the three-match ODI series against England.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma all set to be part of England ODIs

virat-kohli-and-rohit-sharma-all-set-to-be-part-of-england-odis-

With the 2025 New Year celebrations over, the Indian Cricket Team have now begun their preparations for the next BGT match. Under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah, the Men in Blue will be playing their first Test contest of 2025 in Sydney. This match will be played versus the the Pat Cummins-led Australia from the 3rd of January. 
The Indian Team is currently taking part in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Five-Match Test-Series on Australian soil. The home side currently have the advantage as they are leading the series by 2-1. The fifth and the decisive contest of the series will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The Jasprit Bumrah-led team will be looking to secure a victory by any means in the final encounter in order to retain the precious BGT Trophy. 
<h2>Change in captaincy ahead of the Sydney Test-Match</h2>
Regular Captain Rohit Sharma has decided to drop himself from the final Test-Match as his performance in the entire series has been disastrous, managing to score just 31 runs in five innings versus the Kangaroos. 
A lot of pressure was being created on Rohit and the Men in Blue even won the Perth Test-Match under the captaincy of Bumrah where Sharma was not available as he was away on paternity leave and therefore, the two time WTC Runner's-up will be seen entering the field of Sydney with Jasprit Bumrah as the captain.
<h2>What's the record of Team India in Test-Matches played in Sydney? </h2>
The Indian Cricket Team have a really poor record in Test-Matches played in Sydney. They have managed to reign supreme just once at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), that too 47 years ago.That means if the Blue Brigade manage to secure a victory in the final Test-Match in Sydney, then their shameful winless streak will get broken. 
The Men in Blue have taken part in 13 Sydney Test-Matches so far, managing to win just one and have suffered defeats in five contests. The other remaining matches at this venue between Australia and India have ended in a draw i.e seven draws. 
India won their only Sydney Test-Match way back in January of 1978, where they triumphed over the Kangaroos by a margin of an inning and two runs under the leadership of the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi. This was time when Test Matches used to be of 6 days and there used to be a rest day in between.
Total Tests played in Sydney: 13
Won: 1
Lost: 5
Drawn: 7 
The upcoming 5th Test-Match in Sydney will be must win one for the Jasprit Bumrah-led team if they want to have any hopes of retaining the BGT Trophy. Winning the match in Sydney will also allow them to keep their hopes of qualifying for their third successive WTC Final alive. 
<h2>Playing 11's of both teams for the 5th Test-Match in Sydney</h2>
India (Probable): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Virat Kohli, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah (Captain) and Harshit Rana.
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Sam Konstas, Beau Webster, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Pat Cummins (Captain), Nathan Lyon, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.
Do 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>

Jasprit Bumrah of India celebrates the wicket of Australia's Usman Khawaja | Image: Getty Images

The Indian Cricket Team have a shameful record in Test-Matches played in Sydney and they haven't won a single match at that venue since 1978. They would be looking to end this winless streak and rewrite history

IND vs AUS: Team India has a shameful record in Sydney, will the winless streak break in the 5th Test?

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India Cricket Team is all set to have massive changes going into the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The Showdown will be taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, and it surely will be more than just a match for the visitors. 
As per the reports in Indian Express, it is learned that Rohit Sharma is all set to be rested for the final game of the series. The Indian captain has himself opted out of the Sydney Test and conveyed the same to head coach Gautam Gambhir and the chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar. 
Both Agarkar and Gambhir accepted Rohit Sharma's decision and the team will be playing the game without their captain. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah will be captaining the team and Shubman Gill will be replacing Rohit in the XI and will be batting at No.3 in the last game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
Rohit Sharma opting out of the Sydney Test means that the India captain has played his last game in whites. The reports claimed that he might not be in the scheme of things for the next World Test Championship Cycle, which begins with a tour to England in June-July this year. 
Jasprit Bumrah captained the Indian team in the opening game of the series in Perth and under his leadership team won the match. The reports claimed that Shubman Gill will be batting at No.3 and KL Rahul will open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. 
<h2> Prasidh Krishna will be drafted into the XI in place of Akash Deep</h2>
The reports also added that Prasidh Krishna will be drafted into the XI in place of Akash Deep. The latter got injured in the practice session and has been ruled out of the match. It will be a massive opportunity for Krishna to make an impact and help the team draw the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 
Also, there were reports which stated that Rishabh Pant will be dropped for Dhruv Jurel but Indian Express has confirmed that the Southpaw will be playing the match. He faced a lot of criticism getting out to wild shots in the last two games and would be hoping to silence all his critics.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-s-record-at-sydney-cricket-ground-before-the-ind-vs-aus-5th-test/">India's Record at Sydney Cricket Ground Before the IND vs AUS 5th Test</a>

India Cricket Team is all set to have massive changes going into the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma opts out of Sydney Test, massive updates about Indian XI arrive

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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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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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India captain Rohit Sharma is all set to be dropped from the playing XI for the final Test of the series against Australia. The match between the two teams will be played on Friday (3rd January) at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. 
Rohit Sharma, as per the various media reports, won't be featuring in the final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. This has been quite evident with the way things have been panning out in the practice session a day ahead of the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 
India captain also didn't bat much in the nets and came to bat after batters had their sessions. Various media outlets have suggested that Rohit Sharma will be replaced by Shubman Gill, who got the first preference in the nets and was also seen getting a pat on the back by Gautam Gambhir. 
The India head coach, Gautam Gambhir, was also seen having a conversation with Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, with the fast bowler being actively involved in the conversations with the head coach. This, in all fairness, suggests that fast bowlers will be leading the team. 
But there also has been some section of reports which has stated that Shubman Gill might be leading the team. This is because team management might look at the bigger picture and allow the youngster to take charge of the team. But so far no clarity seems to be there.
<h2>We are going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it tomorrow - Gautam Gambhir on Rohit Sharma </h2>
Even head coach Gautam Gambhir said refused to give any clarity about Rohit Sharma playing the final Test. He said that they would be taking the call after looking at the pitch. While speaking to reporters, he explained: 
"Everything is fine with Rohit and I don't think it's anything traditional. The head coach is here and that should be good enough. We are going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it tomorrow. As I just said we are going to have a look at the wicket and announce our playing XI tomorrow. The answer remains the same.” 
Rohit Sharma has witnessed a massive dip in the form. In the last 15 innings, the India captain has scored only 164 runs in 15 innings at a shocking average of just 10.93, with one half-century score. In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, he has slammed just 31 runs. It remains to be seen now where will his future be heading.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-s-record-at-sydney-cricket-ground-before-the-ind-vs-aus-5th-test/">India's Record at Sydney Cricket Ground Before the IND vs AUS 5th Test</a>

India captain Rohit Sharma is all set to be dropped from the playing XI for the final Test of the series against Australia.

IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma all set to be dropped for last Test; Shubman Gill to lead? Full details

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The Indian Men's National Cricket Team is set to suffer a major setback as it prepares to take on Fierce-Rivals Australia in the 5th &amp; final Test-Match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Fresh Reports are emerging that the Men in Blue may lose the services of fast bowler Akash Deep for the crucial Do-or-Die Sydney Test-Match. There are also reports that have emerged recently which have suggested that the Indian team management are considering the place of wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant in the team. 
28-year-old Akash Deep has been dealt a major setback with a possible back injury. According to the news report of the Indian Express, the players is suffering a lot of pain in his back and will most likely miss out on selection from the Sydney Test-Match. On the other hand, some news reports suggest that the Team management is considering replacing Pant with Dhruv Jurel in Sydney. 
The absence of both players at such a crucial time is surely going to prove to be a major setback for the Indian team. Akash is a player who has performed well with both ball &amp; bat and this was pretty evident in the Melbourne Test-Match, where he saved the Rohit Sharma-led outfit from the follow-on threat by getting involved in a crucial 47 run partnership for the final wicket with fellow pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
<h2>Who will be the replacement of Akash Deep? </h2>
The injury to the 28-year-old seamer has halted the Rohit Sharma-led outfit's preparations for the 5th Test-Match in Sydney. The two time WTC Runner's-up now will be forced to rethink and rework their strategies and they also have to take care of vice captain Jasprit Bumrah's workload. 
With Akash Deep likely to sit out of the 5th Test-Match, Harshit Rana is likely to be given yet another opportunity to prove himself in Sydney and he will be looking to perform at his best and help the Indian Team retain the precious BGT Trophy. 
The Indian Think Tank might also consider the possibility of bringing in Prasidh Krishna into the playing 11 in place of Jadeja Or Sundar, but since the surface of the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is known to provide assistance to the spin bowlers, the Men in Blue will likely go ahead with two spinners. Also Jadeja and Sundar are handy batters so the Indian think tank might no want to hamper their batting at the expense of bringing in an extra bowler.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/5-reasons-why-team-india-lost-the-melbourne-test-match-versus-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5 Reasons why Team India lost the Melbourne Test match versus Australia</a>

Akash Deep of India caused a lot of problems for Steve Smith and Travis Head of Australia in the Gabba Test-Match | Image: Getty Images

Team India have been handed a major setback as Akash Deep is suffering back pain issues is likely to miss the 5th Test-Match in Sydney.

India's Akash Deep set to miss the 5th Test Match in Sydney, suffers am injury setback

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The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is currently going on in Australia between the Mighty Aussies and Team India. The series was tied at 1-1 after the two Fierce-Rivals played out a dramatic 3rd Test-Match in Brisbane but the hosts fought back in excellent fashion, securing a hard-fought victory by 184 runs in the Boxing-Day Test-Match in Melbourne and took a 2-1 lead. 
Except the Test-Match in Perth, Virat Kohli hasn't created any kind of impact with the bat and Rohit on the other hand, has looked completely out of touch since returning in the Adelaide Test-Match. Moreover, all of their shot choices have proven to be poor and mediocre. Even in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match, both players got punished after playing mediocre shots. 
<h2>Gambhir will have the final say in terms of deciding the Playing 11:</h2>
It has been reported that the Indian Team selectors and the chairman of the selection committee Ajit Agarkar have given Gambhir the full authority to select the Starting 11 for the Must-win Sydney Test-Match. 
Since the Sydney Test-Match is going to be a do-or-die one for the Rohit Sharma-led team, it's being said that the out-of-form players will most likely get dropped and the in-form players will be given the opportunity to prove themselves. There is a high possibility that the duo of Kohli &amp; Rohit might get dropped for the Sydney Test. 
During the net practice session, if both the experienced players perform in a satisfactory manner, only then they will be included in the Starting 11.The places of other players will also be decided through the net-practice sessions. 
Therefore, there are high chances of Dhruv Jurel getting a chance to play in the final Test-Match and the return of Shubman Gill is also going to be imminent. Mostly, he will replace the Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the playing 11.Also, there are chances that Nitish Kumar Reddy might get a chance to bat up the order. 
<h2>The Bowling-Attack is likely to see some changes</h2>
Except Jasprit Bumrah, the rest of the Indian bowlers have failed to live upto expectations and this over reliance on the Indian Vice-Captain is proving to be a big problem for the Men in Blue. Bumrah needs to get some support from his fellow bowlers and since he's not getting it, some hard changes are expected to be made. 
Siraj may have dismissed 16 batters in the ongoing BGT series but he has not looked at his best in the first four encounters versus the Aussies and this may be a good time to give some rest to the 30-year-old and bring in Prasidh Krishna. 
The 28-year-old seamer is someone who knows how to use the bouncer well and his deadly bouncers on the pitch of Sydney can prove to be a nightmare for the Australian batters. 
Talking about Akash Deep, he hasn't proven to be effective at all with the ball and while he may have scored some crucial runs as a tailender, they may not be enough to save him from getting dropped. Harshit Rana who took a four wicket haul in the Perth Test-Match is likely to replace Akash Deep in the Starting 11 for the Sydney Test. 
While the former wasn't effective in Adelaide, he can prove his doubters wrong by giving his best in the Sydney Test-Match. 
India's Strongest Playing XI (5th Test) - KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Reddy, Shubman Gill, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (WK), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah (captain) &amp; Harshit Rana.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/jasprit-bumrah-crushes-ravichandran-ashwin-to-become-the-first-india-bowler-to-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jasprit Bumrah crushes Ravichandran Ashwin to become the first India bowler to...</a>

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma of India | Image: Associated Press

The Sydney Test-Match is going to be a must win for the Indian Cricket Team and some harsh decisions will have to be taken in regards to playing 11 if the Rohit Sharma-led want to have any chance of retaining the BGT Trophy