Match Details
The second Test of the three-match series between Australia and India will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne.
This match will start at 5 AM IST (10:30 AM local). It will be live on Sony TEN 1, Sony TEN 1 HD and can be streamed live on Sony LIV.
Preview
After a historic day-night Test in Adelaide, India and Australia will lock horns in a Boxing Day Test starting from December 26. The visitors’ batting will be in focus after the 36 all-out debacle in the second innings of the Adelaide Test. Moreover, they are missing their regular skipper Virat Kohli who has reached India and is on a parental leave. Mohammed Shami has also been ruled out of the series with a fractured arm.
Australia are also grappled with injury concerns as they will continue to miss David Warner. They are set to field an unchanged XI with Joe Burns and Matthew Wade doing well as openers in the opening Test. Their bowling attack comprising of Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins will once again be hoping to dominate India.
AUS vs IND Weather Report for Match 2
Weather is set to be sunny on Boxing Day but a couple of afternoon showers are predicted on Sunday. No rain is in the forecast for the rest of the days.
Pitch Report
Pitch at the MCG was under the scanner a couple of years ago when India won the Test at this venue. Even Pat Cummins hoped for a sporting pitch ahead of the game. Historically, there is bounce at this wicket but it has also been slow over the last couple of years. It will be interesting to see if the curator leaves a little bit of grass on the 22 yards.
Average first innings score
412 (Last three Boxing Day Tests)
Injury & Availability News
Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami are not available for India for the rest of the series
David Warner has been ruled out of the second Test.
AUS vs IND Today’s Probable Playing XIs:
Australia
Joe Burns, Matthew Wade, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (C & WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
Bench
Marcus Harris, Moises Henriques, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Mitchell Swepson
India
Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj/Navdeep Saini, Jasprit Bumrah.
Bench
Wriddhiman Saha, Mohammed Siraj/Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav.
AUS vs IND Top picks for Today’s Dream11 Match:
Steve Smith, undoubtedly, will be the top pick for this match. He averages more than 62.32 in Test cricket and loves batting against India. Despite his failure in Adelaide Test, Smith should be picked.
Marnus Labuschagne batted well in the first Test scoring 47 runs. He also averages 60.48 in Test cricket and will bat at three again.
Pat Cummins is number 1 Test bowler and also picked up four wickets in the second innings of Adelaide Test. He will once again be threatening with the ball.
Cheteshwar Pujara slammed a brilliant century in 2018-19 tour at the MCG. He is the most important batsman of India’s line-up and averages 48.22 in Test cricket.
Jasprit Bumrah picked up nine wickets last time in the MCG Test. He will be gearing up to put on another dominating performance for the team.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection
Captain Options: Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, Cheteshwar Pujara
Vice-Captain Options: Marnus Labuschagne, Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah
Suggested Playing XI No. 1 for AUS vs IND Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Tim Paine
Batsmen – Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (C), Cheteshwar Pujara (VC), Ajinkya Rahane
All-Rounders – Cameron Green, Ravi Ashwin
Bowlers – Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Jasprit Bumrah
Suggested Playing XI No. 2 for AUS vs IND Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Matthew Wade, Rishabh Pant
Batsmen – Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara
All-Rounders – Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja
Bowlers – Mitchell Starc (C), Josh Hazlewood, Jasprit Bumrah (VC)
Expert Advice
Marnus Labuschagne is a good captaincy option in Grand Leagues along with Ravi Ashwin as both of them did well in the previous Test.
AUS vs IND Probable Winners
Australia are expected to win this match.
