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.

Rohit Sharma made a huge statement on the batting order and his knee health

 Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, India skipper Rohit Sharma on Tuesday dismissed fears about the knee injury he suffered during practice, saying it was fine, while keeping the suspense over his batting position.

Rohit had got hit on the left knee during the training session at the MCG on Sunday and there was speculation about the seriousness of the injury.

Rohit missed the opening Test Down Under to be with his family for the birth of his second child. He was expected to reclaim the opener’s spot but KL Rahul’s impressive 77 in India’s win at Perth prompted a rejig of the batting order with the skipper moving down to No.6.

The change though has not been fruitful for Rohit as he has managed 10, 3 and 6 runs in the last three innings, while Rahul has encashed on the opportunity by notching up a fine 84 in the first innings at Brisbane in the third Test.

The skipper said, he would do whatever is best for the team.

Kohli scored a century in the second innings of the Perth Test, which India won after being dismissed for 150 in the first essay.

However, he was dismissed for 7 and 11 in the second Test, which Australia won by 10 wickets to level the series, while in the drawn third Test at Brisbane he made 3.

Young Yashasvi Jaiswal has failed to fire following his match-winning 161 in the first Test but Rohit said he will be encouraged to play his natural free-flowing game.

(PTI)