The Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series between Australia and India has not failed to disappoint this year and the battle reaches its conclusion with the fifth and final Test in Sydney on Thursday.
It is a Test series which has swung back and forth with India easing to a 295-run win in the opening match before Australia won two of the subsequent three encounters to establish a 2-1 lead in the series (the third Test was a draw).
Looking to preserve that lead, the Aussies prepare to lock horns with India one final time in what is a key match in the context of the World Test Championship.
- AUSTRALIA TO WIN
- PAT CUMMINS TOP AUSTRALIA WICKET-TAKER
- YASHASVI JAISWAL TOP INDIA RUNSCORER
Australia In The Ascendency
Slowly but surely Australia have found their feet in this Test series with India.
After a 295-run hammering in the first Test, it was back to the drawing board for the Aussies, who subsequently won by ten wickets in the second Test.
In the third Test at the Gabba, meanwhile, Australia were in the ascendency with a first-innings lead of 185 and they tried to force the result, only for bad light and rain to put an end to the match.
But things once again came together for the hosts in the fourth Test, which they won by 184 runs thanks to an almighty first-innings total of 474.
Sam Konstas has looked comfortable enough at the top of the Australia order and the Aussie pacemen have so far managed their workload well, so the home side could well win this and secure a 3-1 series win.
AUSTRALIA TO WIN
Cummins Can Deliver With The Ball
The biggest talking point in the Australia camp ahead of the fifth and final Test is the availability of Mitchell Starc, who continues to deal with a rib concern.
The fourth Test in Melbourne was an attritional battle and saw Australia bowl more bowls than they have in any Test since their 2022-23 battle with West Indies in Perth.
That is sure to take its toll on the players and it would be no surprise if Starc is dislodged for this contest.
But captain Cummins will lead the attack and he impressed in the last Test with figures of 3-89 and 3-28, so looks like a prime candidate to be his side's top wicket-taker.
PAT CUMMINS TOP AUSTRALIA WICKET-TAKER
Jaiswal Can Make His Mark Again
India's standout performer at the crease in the fourth Test at the MCG was Yashasvi Jaiswal, who struck 82 runs in the first innings and 84 runs in the second innings.
That knock of 84 was especially eye-catching as India were otherwise struggling to rack up the runs and looked as though they were settling for a potential draw.
Strong batting performances have been hard to come by for India in this series and Jaiswal is a good pick to be his team's top runscorer in Sydney.
YASHASVI JAISWAL TOP INDIA RUNSCORER
