The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and England. Both sides are set to fight against each other in the final Test match, scheduled to begin on Friday at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Australia lead the series 2-1 after their dominant performance in the fourth Test, and they now have the opportunity to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014-15. On the other hand, India will be eager to bounce back and level the series, making this final encounter one of the most eagerly anticipated showdowns.
Australia made a strong statement in the fourth Test, clinching a thunderous victory over India. After the third Test ended in a draw, Australia seized control in Melbourne, showcasing an impressive all-round performance. Australia's batting and bowling departments fired in tandem when needed, with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne continuing their fine form with match-winning knocks in the fourth Test. Australia now stand on the brink of clinching their first Test series win against India since the 2014-15 series, making this final match a historical opportunity for the home side.
For India, the fourth Test was a disappointing loss, but they will be determined to fight back in the final match. Amidst the failure from the top-order batters, India could not manage to push for a series-levelling victory. However, with a formidable squad, India will be determined to put up a strong fight in Sydney. India's main challenge will be overcoming their top-order woes, which have plagued them throughout the series. Players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul will need to find their rhythm and offer greater stability in the batting lineup. Overall, India will need to be at their best to outplay Australia and have a chance to level the series.
Australia have already named their playing XI, with Beau Webster set to make his debut. He has been brought in as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh, who has been ruled out of the final Test. India, on the hand hand, will be without the services of Akash Deep as he will be out of the last Test due to a back issue. However, India haven't yet revealed their playing XI.
India Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah
Australia XI : Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland