A much-needed challenge India will face up to when it plays the final Test of its five-match tour against Australia in Sydney at the SCG starting January 3, 2025. Now 2-1 down, a win here would level the series and revive India’s aspirations of reaching the final of the World Test Championship.
The SCG is known for its batting-friendly surface, which provides consistent bounce to batsmen, particularly in the early stages of a Test match. As the game progresses, the pitch deteriorates, and spinners come into play with increased turn and variable bounce. This characteristic makes the SCG unique among Australian venues, often prompting teams to include multiple spinners to exploit the conditions in the later days of the match.
According to recent insights from the SCG’s pitch curator, the surface has been prepared with a grass cut of about 7mm, followed by thorough rolling. This preparation suggests that while the pitch will initially offer some assistance to seam bowlers, it is expected to become more conducive to spin as the match progresses.
Expected weather during India vs Australia Sydney Test
The weather is expected to be variable during the Test. For the first three days, it is expected to be warm and mostly sunny, with temperatures between 24°C and 34°C. It is likely that the hottest days will be Days 3 and 4, with a high of up to 34°C. There is a very good chance of rain on the last day, with an 80% probability of showers in the afternoon, which could easily cut short play and affect the result of the match.
India needs to pick well, particularly when it comes to their bowling, as the spin-friendly SCG in the final stages would prove beneficial in getting an extra spinner. The assistance for seamers in the first innings, though, cannot be ignored and they need to have a balanced team.
Australia, who is leading the series, will look to use their home advantage to win the series. Their game plan will be heavily reliant on the potential return of key players and their strategic selection of bowling.
Sydney would become the venue to which all the cricketing action would turn in the face of a fascinating test match between these two sides that are well-poised for strategizing with enough adaptability at the SCG pitch.
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