After losing the first Test in Perth, the hosts, Australia showed a great comeback in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Under captaincy of Pat Cummins, Australia are on the verge of winning the Test series against India after 10 years. The fifth and the final Test will be played at Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7. Australia will aim to win the fifth Test or at least take it to a draw to lift the BGT title for the first time after 2014-15.
Australia will be looking to form a balanced playing XI for the final Test in Sydney. However, there are also talks about availability of Mitchell Starc but the fast bowler in expected to be available for the series decider. In the following listicle, we will have a look at Australia’s playing XI for the fifth BGT Test in Sydney.
Australia’s probable playing XI for 5th BGT Test vs India
Openers: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas
Australia are likely to go with the same opening pair including Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas in Sydney. Khawaja finally got a good knock in the ongoing series with a fifty in the Boxing Day Test, while Konstas was also impressive in his Test debut with a knock of 60 runs. Now, Australia will be hoping for both to get another big opening stand in Sydney.
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Middle-Order: Marnus Khawaja, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey (wk)
Australia have a strong looking batting lineup in the middle-order where Marnus Labuschagne who scored half-centuries in both innings of the Boxing Day Test can be seen batting at number three. After that, Steve Smith is also coming after back-to-back 100s in the last games, while Travis Head remains the highest run getter of the series so far. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey can also add crucial runs while coming to bat at number seven.
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All-Rounders: Mitchell Marsh
Mitchell Marsh can provide more strength to the Australian middle-order in the fifth Test in Sydney. Apart from that, Marsh can also bowl a few spells as a fast bowler and can contribute as a crucial all-rounder in the playing XI.
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Bowlers: Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
Australia are likely to go with the same bowling lineup that has played a pivotal role in Australia’s wins in Adelaide and Melbourne. Skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc can be playing as spearhead fast bowlers along with Scott Boland. Apart from that, Nathan Lyon will be seen playing as a only spinner in the playing XI.
