The India vs. Australia Test series has reached its climax with the much-anticipated 5th Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), starting January 3, 2025.
The team struggled in the previous fourth Test, losing by 184 runs, leaving them trailing 1-2 in the series.
Despite a strong start in Perth, India's performance has dipped, raising concerns about their batting and bowling consistency.
This article will cover India’s expected playing XI, key players to watch, the pitch report, and weather conditions at SCG.
Additionally, we'll cover live-streaming options for fans eager to catch all the action as India aims to level the series and keep their hopes alive for the World Test Championship final.
India vs Australia 5th Test: India Match Time And Expected Playing 11
The fifth Test match between India and Australia will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), starting on January 3, 2025. The match is set to begin at 5:00 AM IST, with the live toss occurring at 4:30 AM IST.
This Test is crucial for both teams, as Australia leads the series 2-1 and aims to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final, while India seeks to level the series and retain their pride after a disappointing performance in the fourth Test.
India’s Expected Playing XI:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Dhruv Jurel (wk) - replacing Rishabh Pant, who may be dropped after inconsistent performances.
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Nitish Reddy
- Jasprit Bumrah (c) - taking over captaincy from Rohit Sharma, who is likely to be rested.
- Mohammed Siraj / Prasidh Krishna - one of these fast bowlers will complete the lineup.
- Harshit Rana - expected to return in place of the injured Akash Deep
Australia's Expected Playing XI:
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Konstas
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steven Smith
- Travis Head
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
Australia has made a notable change, bringing in Beau Webster to replace the out-of-form Mitchell Marsh in their lineup.
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Will Rohit Sharma play in the 5th Test?
Rohit Sharma is likely to be rested for the fifth Test against Australia, which begins on January 3, 2025, in Sydney.
Reports indicate that he has informed head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar of his decision to opt out of the match, which has been met with agreement from the team management.
The reason due to which Rohit Sharma is being rested for the fifth Test against Australia is due to a combination of poor performance and recent personal circumstances.
He has struggled significantly in the ongoing series, scoring only 31 runs across three matches, resulting in an average of just 6.2134.
This lack of form has raised concerns about his effectiveness as captain, especially following India's defeats in the last two Tests after winning the first under Jasprit Bumrah's leadership
In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah will captain the Indian side. Rohit has struggled throughout the series, scoring only 31 runs in three matches, and this performance has led to significant criticism.
The decision to rest him comes as India aims to level the series at 2-2 and keep hopes alive for qualification in the World Test Championship.
Who will replace Rishabh Pant in the 5th Test?
Rishabh Pant is expected to be replaced by Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI for the fifth Test against Australia. Pant's inconsistent performances throughout the series, including a failure to score a half-century, have led to speculation about his position in the team.
Reports indicate that Jurel, who has shown promise in recent matches, will take over the wicketkeeping duties for this crucial match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) starting January 3, 2025.
Rohit's Absence Opens Door for Shubman Gill's Return
Rohit Sharma's decision to rest himself has created an opportunity for Shubman Gill to return to the lineup, likely batting at the number 3 position. Gill, who had scores of 28 and 31 in Adelaide, was unfortunately sidelined due to team combination needs rather than performance issues.
Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, who established a record 201-run partnership during the series opener at the Optus Stadium, are set to open the innings together once again.
India vs Australia 5th Test: Pitch Report
The pitch at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is expected to provide a balanced contest between bat and ball. Initially, it will favour batters, allowing them to settle in and score runs.
Pitch Characteristics
- Initial Favour for Batters: The pitch is expected to support batters in the early stages.
- Spin Assistance: As the match progresses, particularly on days four and five, spinners are likely to gain an advantage.
- Grass Cover: The pitch has been cut to about 7 mm and will undergo heavy rolling to maintain moisture and grass cover.
Weather Reports
Weather conditions for the match are promising, with clear skies expected throughout the Test. This should allow for uninterrupted play, which is essential for both teams as they aim to capitalise on favourable conditions. The SCG pitch, combined with good weather, sets the stage for an exciting encounter between India and Australia.
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India vs Australia 5th Test: Weather Forecast for January 3
The first three days should see uninterrupted play; the final days may face disruptions due to rain, potentially impacting the match outcome significantly.
Day 1 Conditions:
- Chance of Rain: 30% chance of rain, with a slight possibility of showers early in the day.
- Temperature: High of 26°C.
- Wind: Light winds turning east to northeasterly at 15 to 20 km/h.
- Overall Weather: Mostly cloudy conditions are expected, but significant rain is not anticipated.
Subsequent Days:
Day 2 (January 4):
Chance of Rain: 5%
Temperature: High of 29°C.
Predicted to be sunny with light winds.
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Day 3 (January 5):
Chance of Rain: 5%
Temperature: High of 32°C.
Mostly sunny, with a small possibility of thunderstorms in the west.
Days 4 and 5 (January 6-7):
Increased likelihood of rain, particularly on Day 5, with a forecasted chance of up to 60%.
Where to Watch Ind vs Aus 5th Test Match: Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
Match Timing: The fifth test will begin on January 3, 2025, at 5:00 AM IST (4:30 AM IST for the toss).
Broadcasting in India:
The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network, including channels such as:
- Star Sports 1 HD/SD (English commentary)
- Star Sports 1 Hindi HD/SD
- Star Sports 1 Tamil HD/SD
- Star Sports 1 Telugu HD/SD
- Star Sports 1 Kannada HD/SD
Live Streaming in India:
The match can be streamed live on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. If you want to watch the India vs. Australia 5th Test match on several other platforms:
- Jio Cinema: Offers free streaming options for viewers in India.
- Airtel TV: Provides a complimentary Disney+ Hotstar subscription with select recharge plans, allowing access to live streaming.
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Broadcasting in Australia:
- Viewers can watch the match on Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports and Seven Network.
- Live streaming is available via Foxtel and 7plusSport.
Broadcasting in the UK:
The match will be shown on TNT Sports 1, with streaming available on the Discovery+ app.
Broadcasting in the USA:
In the US, you can watch the India vs. Australia 5th Test match through the following platforms:
- Willow TV: This is a popular option for cricket fans in the US, offering live coverage of many international matches, including the Test series. You can subscribe via their website or through app stores.
- ESPN+: While primarily focused on various sports, ESPN+ may also broadcast select cricket matches. Check their schedule for availability.
- ICC.tv: Offers some live matches and highlights, though it may not cover all games.
- YouTube: Occasionally, matches are streamed live on YouTube, especially for special events or series.
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