The fourth match of the five-match Test series between India and Australia will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) next week. The Indian team has reached Melbourne and has started preparations for the Boxing Day Test. This match is going to prove important for the series, because the team that wins it will take the lead.
Status of the series so far
- Perth Test: India performed brilliantly to win and take the lead in the series.
- Adelaide Test: Australia made a strong comeback by defeating India in the Pink Ball Test.
- Brisbane Test: The match was drawn due to rain, but the Australian team continued to dominate.
Pujara expressed concern over bowling
Star Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has expressed concerns about the depth of the Indian bowling unit ahead of the fourth Test. Speaking to Star Sports, he said that the Indian bowlers need to perform consistently.
“Jasprit Bumrah is the only bowler who has troubled the Australian batsmen. When he comes to bowl, there is a stir in the Australian camp.”
Batting improved, but bowling weak
Cheteshwar Pujara while talking about the performance of the Indian team said,
“Batting has improved. However, the performance of the top-5 batsmen has not been satisfactory. The middle order and lower order have made great contributions. Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish, Jasprit Bumrah and Akashdeep have handled the team with the bat. But we see some weaknesses in the bowling.”
Team selection becomes a big question
Pujara emphasized that the Indian team will have to make a clear strategy regarding its bowling combination. Selecting the right bowlers in the playing XI for the fourth Test will be important for the team’s chances of victory.
Importance of fourth test
This match to be held in Melbourne is very important not only for the series but also from the point of view of mental growth. The atmosphere at the MCG during the Boxing Day Test is always special, and this match is being seen as a decisive battle for both the teams.