Indian captainJasprit Bumrah won the toss and opted to bat first in the fifth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. This Test is important for both teams to win the five Test match series. Australia are currently leading 2-1 after wining the fourth Test match and the Baggy Greens are just a win away to win the series. On the other hand, India who won the last editions of Test series in Australia need to win this match to draw the series.
The captain Rohit Sharma has opted out from the match and Shubman Gill will replace him while Akashdeep Singh too has been suffering with a back injury and Prasidh Krishna will make his way to the team.
The fifth Test match between India and Australia will play a important role for both teams for the World Test Championship (WTC) final qualification. Hosts Australia are just a win away from sealing the berth for WTC final and on the other hand, India need to win this clash to stay in the race.
Despite Australia’s historically formidable cricket side, they have failed to secure a Test series win against India for over a decade, both at home and away. Unlike previous Indian teams that toured Australia, this current squad has shown signs of struggle, particularly with a fragile batting lineup, where experienced and aging players have been underperforming.
On the other hand, emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy have shown glimpses of brilliance, indicating that they are ready to carry the team forward. In terms of bowling, while Jasprit Bumrah remains a key figure, the Indian bowling attack has lacked the cutting edge it once possessed. Mohammed Siraj, despite being the third-highest wicket-taker in the series with 16 wickets, has been inconsistent, fluctuating between brilliant spells and moments of vulnerability.
Mark Waugh presented Baggy Green No. 469 to Tasmania allrounder Beau Webster, who will make his debut in all important fifth match of this series replacing Mitchell Marsh who has been underperforming this series.
Playing X1s
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon
India : Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah(c), Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj
Captains at Toss
Jasprit Bumrah: "We've played some really good cricket in this series. The last match was pretty exciting. hopefully we can put up a good show. It seems to be some grass. It doesn't look to have too many demons or look too spicy. Obviously there will be a challenge with the new ball but if you get through it's always a god batting track. Our captain has shown leadership by opting to rest in this game. That shows there's a lot of unity in this team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the teams best interest we are looking to do that. Two changes, Rohit has opted to rest and Akash Deep is injured so Prasidh comes in."
Pat Cummins: "We were going to bat as well. But overcast conditions so hopefully we can get the ball to swing around a bit. All the boys have pulled up well after a short turnaround. Just one change, Beau Webster is debuting in place of Mitch Marsh."