BGT 2024-25: Melbourne weather forecast for day 5 of 4th test (Monday, December 30)

The fourth BGT 2024-25 test at the MCG is tilted towards the hosts.

The fourth test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) remains in the grip of Australia after the end of play on day 4.

Resuming their innings at 358/9 on day 4, India added 11 more runs before being bowled out for 369 in the first innings. Nitish Kumar Reddy top-scored with his maiden test century, while Washington Sundar and Yashasvi Jaiswal both chipped in with half-centuries.

India started excellently with the ball with Jasprit Bumrah dismissing debutant Sam Konstas for seven runs. Bumrah was well supported by Mohammed Siraj, who took the wickets of Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith on either side of the lunch break.

Bumrah took full advantage of the momentum created by Smith’s dismissal and removed Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey in quick succession to leave the hosts at 94/6.

Australian captain Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne led the recovery with a 57-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Labuschagne top-scored with 70, while Cummins contributed 41. Nathan Lyon (41*) and Scott Boland (10*) then batted for over an hour to guide Australia to 228/9 at the end of the day.

India will be frustrated to have allowed the Australian No. 10 and 11 to add 55 unbeaten runs for the 10th wicket.

Melbourne weather forecast for day 5 of the MCG test:

According to Accuweather, there is only 2% chance of rain on Monday in Melbourne. Bright sunshine is expected with some clouds during the afternoon with 63% cloud cover. The temperatures are expected to range between a maximum of 25°C and a minimum of 14°C with a mild breeze in the afternoon.

India and Australia playing XIs for the Boxing Day test:

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

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland.

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