Thu Dec 26 23:31:29 UTC 2024: ## India Rings in Boxing Day Test with Playing XI Changes

**Melbourne, Australia** – The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is locked at 1-1 after three thrilling matches, and the fourth Test is underway at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Australia, winning the toss, elected to bat first on Thursday, December 26th. The match marks significant changes for both teams.

India has made one alteration to their playing XI, bringing in all-rounder Washington Sundar in place of Shubman Gill. This move reflects the team’s strategy to utilize two spinners, anticipating spin-friendly conditions expected to develop on the MCG pitch, particularly in the later stages of the match. Sundar’s recent impressive all-round performance, including 24 wickets at an average of 23.91 and 387 runs at an impressive average of 48.37 in seven Test matches, solidifies his inclusion.

The decision to drop Gill, despite Nitish Kumar Reddy’s consistent run scoring (179 runs at 44.75 average), is attributed to a reported hand injury sustained during a recent practice session and Gill’s comparatively lower run tally (60 runs in 3 innings) this series.

Meanwhile, Australia has made two changes. Teenage opener Sam Conns has made his Test debut replacing Nathan Mc Sweeney, and Scott Boland is in for the injured Josh Hazlewood.

**Playing XIs:**

**Australia:** Usman Khawaja, Sam Conns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

**India:** Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.

The fourth Test promises a captivating contest, with both teams displaying tactical flexibility in their squad selections. The MCG pitch and the strategic moves made by both captains are expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome.

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