#IndiaInAustralia: Preview, playing XI, and TV listing of third Test
India are set to clash with Australia in the Boxing Day Test, starting tomorrow. The third Test will be held at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Both teams will look to dominate the proceedings, given the series is tied at 1-1. Notably, India and Australia have made certain changes in their fold for the Test. Who will edge past before the last match in Sydney?
Team news from the Men in Blue's corner
India have already announced their playing XI for the match, and the poor form of both Indian openers, Murali Vijay and KL Rahul, has led to them being dropped from the team. Prithvi Shaw's unavailability helped Mayank Agarwal in sealing a spot for the crucial Test. In all likelihood, Agarwal will be opening the Indian batting along with Rohit Sharma.
Here's India's playing XI for the Boxing Day Test
Some interesting stats to gear you up for the match
India first played at the hallowed venue, called the Melbourne Cricket Ground, way back in 1948. Out of their six Test victories on Australian soil, the Indian team have won two of their matches here, on December 30, 1977- January 4, 1978 and February 7-11, 1981. The very first ODI in the history of cricket was played at the MCG in 1971.
Australia will be ready to dominate in Melbourne
The absence of Steve Smith and David Warner has been well-handled by the Australian side under Tim Paine. Paine announced in a press conference that Peter Handscomb will be rested for this match and Mitchell Marsh will be brought in XI. India have to be wary of Nathan Lyon, who has been phenomenal in this series. He has already bagged 16 scalps so far.
Match timings and conditions
The MCG pitch will be grassy, but Marcus Harris stated that patience will be the key. MCG's curator said the pitch will offer spinners enough turn in the second half of the match. The match will start from 5:00 AM tomorrow. It will be telecast on the Sony network. It can also be live-streamed on Sony LIV's website or mobile application.
