Ravi Shastri’s Bold Prediction Ahead of MCG Test

Former Team India coach Ravi Shastri believes the Rohit Sharma-led side are in a good position heading into the Christmas Day Test against Australia. Ravi Shastri predicted a thrilling match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), claiming the Men in Blue would be satisfied with the series tied 1-1.

Team India won the first Test in Perth by 295 runs but lost the second in Adelaide by 10 wickets. Australia had the lead in the third Test in Brisbane, but India managed to draw, due to rain. With the series tied 1-1, Rohit Sharma-led India will be aiming to win the fourth Test in Melbourne to take a 2-1 lead.

I think it will be a cracking game – Ravi Shastri

Speaking to news.com.au, Ravi Shastri said the first three Tests of the series were the toughest for India. He claimed that any foreign team would be happy with a 1-1 scoreline heading into the final Tests. Shastri believes India have a slight edge going into the Boxing Day Test.

“I think it will be a cracking game. I think India would take it, the way the series is. Any overseas team at 1-1, especially with the games in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, would take it. Go 1 -1 on Boxing Day is the best case scenario, I would say India have a nose ahead,” Shastri said.

A win in the fourth Test will not only give India a lead in the series but also improve their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has played a crucial role for India, taking 21 wickets at an average of 10.90 in three Tests, including two five-wicket hauls.

India have exploited Australia’s fragile top order and will continue to do so – Ravi Shastri

The 62-year-old declared that he had not seen such a fragile Australian line-up for a long time. He noted that India has exploited this weakness and will continue to do so. Shastri also praised Australian player Sam Konstas, describing him as a refreshing talent with style and flamboyance.

“I think it’s been pretty fragile. When you look at that Australian line-up, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen an Australian line-up where the top order is so fragile. India have exploited that and continue to exploit that. As for Konstas , I think it’s very refreshing, he has a flamboyant style to be the future of Australia,” said Ravi Shastri in the same interview.

Australia’s top order has struggled in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Nathan McSweeney was dropped after scoring just 72 runs at an average of 14.40. Usman Khawaja has managed just 63 runs in six innings.

After a solid fifty in Adelaide, Marnus Labuschagne scored just 13 in the third Test at The Gabba. With the pressure mounting, both Khawaja and Labuschagne will have to perform in the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

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