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Australia vs India Fourth Test Preview

By Sridhar Bhamidi

12 Jan 2021

Sridhar Bhamidi 12 Jan 2021

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Australia host India in Brisbane for the fourth and final Test starting on Friday, January 15
Australia are unbeaten at the Gabba since 1988, winning 25 and drawing 6 Tests hence
Australia have won 5 of their 6 Tests at this venue against India, drawing the other
Australia have won 12 and drawn 3 of their 15 Tests against sub-continental teams at this venue
India's Rishabh Pant has scored 25+ in each of his 10 innings in Australia

Australia will hope to make the most of a depleted Indian team in Brisbane (Getty Images)

A glorious fightback from a bruised Indian team earned a hard-fought draw against Australia in the third Test in Sydney. The series is tied 1-1 as we head into the fourth and final match at the Gabba in Brisbane starting from Friday, January 15.

Australia will fancy their chances as Brisbane remains their most favourite venues in the country. India will have to mount another fightback, considering the number of injuries that they are currently encountering. India need just a draw to ensure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy stays with them, while Australia need a win.

Australia Form

Australia were stunned by the Indian fightback, but as captain Tim Paine pointed out their performances have improved as the series progressed. Their batting now has a settled look with both Marnus Labuschagne (293 runs, Avg. 46.95) and Steve Smith (222 runs, Avg. 44.40) looking in top form.

There are no concerns with the bowling unit, whatsoever, with Pat Cummins (15 wickets, Avg. 18.13) leading them admirably. Josh Hazlewood (11 wickets) has been equally good, making their attack a tough one to face.

Australia News

Will Pucovski and David Warner remain injury concerns for the hosts ahead of this match.

India Form

India played out of their skins to save the match in Sydney and have been defying the odds throughout. Ajinkya Rahane (207 runs) and Cheteshwar Pujara (197 runs) will once again be their mainstays with the bat. Especially with a number of injuries to first team players.

Questions around Jasprit Bumrah’s availability means Ravichandran Ashwin (12 wickets) will have to spearhead them. Ironically, the two-test old Mohammed Siraj will be their most experienced seamer!

India News

Ravindra Jadeja is ruled out, while Jasprit Bumrah and Hanuma Vihari remain major doubts for India. Wriddhiman Saha could get a recall allowing Rishabh Pant to play as a specialist batsman. Bumrah’s place could go to Shardul Thakur.

Australia vs India Head-to-Head

Australia have never lost to India at Brisbane, winning five and drawing one of their six matches played here. When the sides met here in 2014, Australia won by four wickets with Steve Smith (133 & 28) winning the man of the match award.

Australia vs India Match Up

India have shown great resilience throughout the series, but the cost of earning a draw in Sydney could be too high. The squad is walking wounded and captain Ajinkya Rahane could be forced to field rookies. Bumrah remains under the injury cloud, while Ashwin may be forced to play half-fit. All these and Australia’s record at this venue hands the hosts a major advantage.

Australia vs India Stats

Australia have won five and drawn one of their six Tests here against India.
Australia have won 25 and drawn six of their last 31 Tests in Brisbane.
Australia have won 12 and drawn three of their 15 Tests against sub-continental teams in Brisbane.
India’s Rishabh Pant averages 56.88 in ten innings in Australia, scoring 25+ runs in each of those ten innings.

Prediction

A series tied 1-1 going into the fourth Test is a dream come true for the neutrals. Australia would feel they have the slight edge as their team is more or less going to remain the same. India will have to ring the changes once again to accommodate the latest round of injuries. It is advantage Australia and they will fancy their chances of winning this Test to win the series 2-1.

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