IND vs AUS / Team India got a big shock before Sydney Test, star player was out

IND vs AUS: The fifth and decisive Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between Australia and India will be played in Sydney from January 3. Ahead of this match, both the teams have finalized their preparations. Australia has made a surprising change by announcing its playing XI, while the injury of an important player has become a cause of concern for India.

Australia's playing XI: Beau Webster's debut

Australia has included 31-year-old Beau Webster in the playing XI, dropping all-rounder Mitchell Marsh for the fifth Test. This will be Webster's Test debut. Webster's inclusion in the team is considered a strategic change for Australia.

Australia's playing XI:

Sam Constas

Usman Khawaja

Marnus Labuschagne

Steve Smith

Travis Head

Beau Webster

Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)

Pat Cummins (captain)

Mitchell Starc

Nathan Lyon

Scott Boland

India suffers a big blow: Akash Deep out

India has suffered a major setback ahead of the Sydney Test. Fast bowler Akash Deep has been ruled out of the team due to back stiffness. Akash performed brilliantly in the Brisbane and Melbourne Tests, taking a total of 5 wickets. However, he suffered due to poor fielding, as many catches were missed off his bowling.

Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed this in the press conference and said,

"Akash Deep is out of the final Test due to back problems. Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna may get a chance in the playing XI in his place."

28-year-old Akash had bowled 87.5 overs in the last two Tests, which could be the reason for his injury.

Challenge in front of Team India

India is currently trailing 1-2 in the five-match series. It is important for Team India to draw the series by winning the Sydney Test and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The playing XI of the Indian team will be announced after seeing the mood of the pitch. There is a possibility of change in the fast bowling attack, where either Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna can get a chance.

Importance of Sydney Test

The result of this match will not only affect the winner of the series, but will also affect the path to the final of the World Test Championship (WTC). India will have to win this match at all costs to stay in the race for the final. Apart from this, the team will also have to depend on the results of the ongoing series between Sri Lanka and Australia.

Eyes on these players

Australia: Debutant Beau Webster and experienced players Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon will be under pressure to perform.

India: All eyes will be on the performance of Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah.

Conclusion

The Sydney Test is very important for both teams. While Australia will enter with the intention of winning the series, India will have to win this match to keep their hopes alive. The changes in the playing eleven have made this match more exciting. Now it remains to be seen whose strategy succeeds on the Sydney pitch.