India will be eyeing to create history and achieve a rare feat that no other Indian team could ever do in the past and that is winning a test series in Australia. The visitors outplayed the hosts in the 3rd test at the iconic Melbourne cricket ground where they won by 137 runs to take 2-1 lead in the domain test series and also retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
Virat Kohli and company will be eager to take the winning momentum forward and get the job done in Sydney to start the year on a high and win the test series by a convincing margin.
A tough Australian team have been known for showing tremendous fightback in the past and they will again be expected to come hard and snatch a win to draw the test series.
India announce their 13-man squad
Meanwhile, BCCI has announced the 13 man India squad that will face Australia in the fourth test at SCG. Rohit Sharma was excluded from the squad as he flew back to Mumbai following the birth of his baby girl. His exclusion has made way for KL Rahul who will likely open the batting for India yet again after failing in starting two test matches.
Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul have opened for Karnataka for a long time and maybe the bond of friendship can prove vital for Rahul and he could revive his test career.
Hanuma Vihari who showed determination as an opener in the last test will be moving to his much likely middle order slot.
R. Ashwin has also made his way to the team after missing out the last two test following an injury. A call on his inclusion will be taken on the match day.
India’s 13 man squad for fourth test against Australia
Virat Kohli (C), A Rahane (VC), KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav
