India vs Australia 4th Test: India Match Time, Expected Playing 11, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, Live Streaming from The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) is a prestigious Test cricket series between India and Australia, named after legends Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar. The 2024 series has been intense, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination.

However, the series has not been without controversy. In the ongoing fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Indian star Virat Kohli faced criticism for a shoulder clash with 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas. 

The incident drew boos from the crowd and required umpire intervention. Despite the on-field tensions, the series remains evenly poised, with both teams eager to clinch the trophy. 

In this article, we'll discuss the match schedule, expected playing XI, pitch conditions, weather forecast, and live streaming details for the fourth Test at the MCG.

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India vs Australia 4th Test: India Match Time And Expected Playing 11

The fourth Test match between India and Australia will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26 to December 30, 2024. 

The match will begin at 5:00 AM IST, with the toss scheduled for 4:30 AM IST. Fans can watch the match live on Star Sports Network and stream it via Disney+ Hotstar.

India’s Expected Playing XI:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Rohit Sharma (c)
• KL Rahul
• Virat Kohli
• Rishabh Pant (wk)
• Shubman Gill or Washington Sundar
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Mohammed Siraj or Prasidh Krishna
• Akash Deep

Australia's Expected Playing XI:

• Usman Khawaja
• Sam Konstas
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Steve Smith
• Travis Head
• Mitchell Marsh
• Alex Carey (wk)
• Pat Cummins (c)
• Mitchell Starc
• Nathan Lyon
• Scott Boland

This Test is crucial as the series is currently tied at 1-1, following a rain-affected third Test that ended in a draw. India will be looking to improve their batting performance, while Australia aims to capitalise on their home advantage.

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India vs Australia 4th Test:  Pitch Report

The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the upcoming fourth Test between India and Australia is expected to be balanced and seam-friendly. Here are the key details regarding the pitch conditions:

Pitch Characteristics

• Grass Coverage: The pitch has a hint of green, which may assist bowlers, particularly with the new ball. However, it is not expected to significantly deteriorate over the course of the match, maintaining a relatively even surface throughout.
• Bounce and Pace: The MCG pitch is known for its consistent bounce and pace, which can favour aggressive batting once players settle in. The average first innings score at this venue is around 307 runs, indicating a decent batting surface overall.
• Seam vs. Spin: Historically, MCG pitches have been more conducive to seam bowling than spin. Curator Matt Page noted that spinners may not find much assistance as the pitch typically does not break up significantly.

Weather Conditions

The match is set to take place in hot conditions, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 40°C on Boxing Day. This extreme heat could influence how the pitch behaves, making it a challenging environment for players.

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India vs Australia 4th Test: Weather Forecast for December 26

On December 26, 2024, the weather forecast for the first day of the fourth Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) indicates hot and breezy conditions. Here are the key details:

Weather Overview

• Temperature: Expected to reach a high of 36°C during the day, with a low of around 16°C in the evening.
• Rain Probability: There is a 50% chance of rain, particularly in the evening, which could lead to potential disruptions in play.
• Wind: Winds will be northerly at speeds of 35-50 km/h, shifting to a west to southwesterly direction at 20-30 km/h later in the day.
• Humidity: Moderate humidity levels are expected throughout the day.

Conditions Impact

The combination of high temperatures and potential rain could create challenging conditions for players. Fans attending the match are advised to stay hydrated, as extreme heat can pose health risks during outdoor activities.

While the morning may start with sufficient sunlight, the likelihood of rain in the evening could impact the match's progress.

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