India’s team management made a bold call for the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, dropping Shubman Gill from the playing XI. With growing concerns over his form, particularly after a few below-par performances, the management opted to bring in an extra spinner, Washington Sundar, instead.
Shubman Gill had been dealing with an injury since the first Test in Perth but made his return in the Pink Ball Test in Adelaide, where he scored 31 and 28 runs. However, at Gabba, he struggled, managing only a single run.
WATCH – Rohit Sharma Issues Multiple Warnings To Marnus Labuschagne At MCG
Despite being left out for this crucial Test, Gill remained focused on his fitness and was seen hitting the gym during the first session on Day 1. India’s fielding coach, T Dilip, was spotted with him, supporting his training. In 2024, Gill had played 12 Test matches, scoring 866 runs at an average of 43.30, which is notably higher than that of India’s senior batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Shubman Gill sweating it out hard at the MCG nets during the first session on Day 1 of the 4th Test.#BorderGavaskarTrophy #MelbourneCricketGround #Australia #India@KoustavOfficial pic.twitter.com/VaMeoQ1C3K
— Saatvik Oberoi (@OberoiSaatvik) December 26, 2024
In contrast, Dhruv Jurel, who had filled in for Shubman Gill in the first Test, was seen practising in the nets, while Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, was also honing his skills there. It seemed to be a day of preparations, with both teams focused on improving their game ahead of the contest.
Dhruv Jurel and Pat Cummins toil hard in the outdoor nets at the MCG on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test.#BorderGavaskarTrophy #MelbourneCricketGround #Australia #India@KoustavOfficial pic.twitter.com/2SMosV4LmS
— Saatvik Oberoi (@OberoiSaatvik) December 26, 2024
Australia started the fourth Test with a brilliant performance, thanks to the aggressive batting of debutant Sam Konstas. The 19-year-old, who replaced Nathan McSweeney in the XI, took on India’s best pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, from the start. Konstas hit Bumrah for 32 runs off two overs, playing audacious shots including reverse scoops and ramps, which set the tone for a fantastic start.
WATCH – Jasprit Bumrah’s Bemused Reaction After Dismissing Usman Khawaja
His fearless approach gave Usman Khawaja the freedom to settle in, and the veteran responded with a half-century. Despite concerns over his form before the Boxing Day Test, this knock calmed his nerves and provided a solid foundation for Australia to build on as they aimed to finish the series strongly.
