With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy level at 1-1, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) promises to be a decisive battle in the ongoing series between India and Australia. Former Indian all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri has weighed in with bold predictions, candid critiques, and high praise for emerging talent.
Shastri expressed confidence in India’s ability to edge ahead, noting the team’s aggressive approach and meticulous planning. “India has their nose ahead,” Shastri stated, emphasizing that the opening day at MCG will set the tone for the series. “The way the series is poised, India would take this scenario any day. Being 1-1 going into Boxing Day is the best-case scenario.”
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He highlighted that India has arrived with a winning mindset, saying, “India has come here to win, not just to fill in the numbers. To beat Australia, you need to plan properly and figure out how to take 20 wickets. India has done that by being aggressive and giving as good as they get.”
Shastri did not hold back in his assessment of Australia’s underperforming top order, which he described as “brittle.” Senior players Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne have struggled for form, with none consistently challenging India’s bowling attack.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen an Australian top order this brittle,” Shastri remarked. “Jasprit Bumrah has almost single-handedly brought India to this position by exploiting their vulnerabilities.”
Since Australia’s ICC World Test Championship win in 2023, the trio’s averages have dipped significantly, with Khawaja managing just 337 runs in eight Tests in 2024 at an average of 24.07. Smith and Labuschagne have also been inconsistent, while Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh remain the only batters maintaining averages in the late 30s.
Shastri also shared his thoughts on Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old making his Test debut at the MCG. Labeling him “flamboyant and refreshing,” Shastri said Konstas is the future of Australian cricket.
“Konstas has flair, but Test cricket will test his technique,” Shastri stated. “He’s played some wonderful knocks in domestic cricket, and I believe he will be a star for Australia.”
Konstas has had a stellar year, playing a vital role in Australia’s ICC U19 World Cup 2024 victory and excelling in domestic cricket, including being the fifth-highest run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield. His aggressive approach could provide much-needed firepower for Australia’s batting lineup.
Also see: IND vs AUS Series Schedule
Shastri also commented on Nathan McSweeney’s exclusion after a poor run, calling it “unfortunate.” He suggested the middle-order batsman could find a place in Australia’s Sri Lanka tour next year to rebuild his career.
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