Australia vs India – 4th Test Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Australia vs India taking place? Thursday, January 14th, 2021 – 23:30 (UK)
Where is Australia vs India taking place? The Gabba, Woolloongabba, Brisbane
What is the expected weather for Australia vs India? 29-32c with sunny and hot conditions and a risk of showers over the weekend which may impact play
What channel is Australia vs India on? The match will be televised live on BT Sport 1 (Sky channel 413)
Where can I stream Australia vs India? The match can be streamed live using the BT Sport app
Where can I get tickets for Australia vs India? Tickets for this match can be purchased here!
LAST MEETING
Match drawn
THE TEAM NEWS
AUSTRALIA
- Australia were on top for long spells of the third Test but they failed to push home that advantage on the last two days so had to make do with a draw but they will be ruing some missed chances with skipper Tim Paine guilty of dropping some catches at key moments.
- Steve Smith has come under scrutiny for some of his behaviour along with Paine so the duo will be under pressure to stay away from controversy and that could well impact their performance coming into this crucial final Test.
- 22-year-old Will Pucovski is an injury concern after falling awkwardly on his shoulder but assuming he passes fit, there is a good chance they go unchanged although Matthew Wade’s position at number five is under some pressure after two failures in the third Test so a return for Travis Head cannot be ruled out.
INDIA
- India produced some superb batting in the fourth innings in Sydney to deny Australia after only losing five wickets while batting out 131 overs to claim a draw and a major confidence boost coming into this fourth and final Test at The Gabba.
- They had yet more luck go against them in the third Test as Ravindra Jadeja picked up an injury which prevented him from bowling and batting in the second innings and he has been ruled out of this final Test so they will find it difficult to replace him in that key all-rounder role.
- Washington Sundar stayed with the Test squad after the T20 series and he could be under consideration and with Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari both nursing injuries, the tourists may be forced into more changes to an already weakened bowling attack.
THE PREDICTION
The final Test between Australia and India takes place at The Gabba with everything on the line as the series sits finely poised at 1-1 following the draw at The SCG. Both teams will take positives from the third Test but the pressure is firmly on the hosts especially given the behaviour of some of their players and fans in Sydney. Ultimately, the conditions in Brisbane will heavily favour the quick bowlers and with India struggling with injuries and already without Yadav and Shami, the doubts over Bumrah are a major concern. India’s pacemen Mohammed Siraj and Navdeep Saini are giving their all but lack the experience and consistency to really inspire and trouble the Australian batsmen so for that reason, the hosts are favoured to get the win and edge the series 2-1.
