With the series at one-one, Australia and India square off in the pivotal fourth match at the MCG as the Test series heats up. Knowing a victory is essential for series glory; hence, both teams will be keen to grab the advantage. Australia, supported by a strong batting line headed by Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, will want to advantage of home conditions; India’s seasoned players, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, want to highlight their toughness. Given Australia’s victory likelihood and both sides have great bowling attacks, spectators should expect an exciting match on December 26.

Sam Konstas issues stern warning to Jasprit Bumrah ahead of India vs Australia Boxing-Day Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 

Few years ago, Christmas Eve meant playing backyard cricket with his brother. But now, 19-year-old Australian Sam Konstas is devising plans to tackle the world’s most destructive fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the Boxing Day Test against India.

The five-match series is evenly poised at 1-1.

His predecessor in the opening slot Nathan McSweeney had said the same thing for Bumrah but was dismissed four out of five times by the premier bowler in three Tests, leading to his eventual exclusion from the squad.

Bumrah wasn’t a part of the Indian attack in the two warm-up games in which Konstas got runs. So, who apart from Bumrah stood out? “All are very good bowlers… world-class, looking forward to experiencing that challenge and living that,” he won’t give away anything.

Konstas had a cheeky smile when asked how his Christmas Eve used to be few years back.

The entire Konstas family will be in attendance at the ‘G’ for his biggest day.

Tennis player Mark Phillippoussis was the first renowned Australian international sportsperson of Greek heritage and Konstas could become the second one considering how big a melting pot the country’s sporting teams have been over the years.

He had played at MCG for New South Wales when local hero Scott Boland got him out.

(PTI)