India and Australia will head to the Boxing Day Test at the MCG with the series tied at 1-1. India got the series off to a perfect start and picked a 295-run win in Perth, however, Australia bounced back strong and thrashed the visitors by 10 wickets in Adelaide. The GABBA Test ended as a draw after rain played spoilsport and saved India from a defeat. With the series tied at 1-1, the Boxing Day Test becomes of utmost importance as the winner will ensure at least a draw in the series.

For India to win the fourth Test in Melbourne, they'll have to play better than how they did in Adelaide and Brisbane. Australia are heavy favourites to win at MCG, but former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali feels India can beat Australia at the MCG.

Ali said India can play two spinners in Melbourne which would be an advantage to the visitors. He also said that Australia will be under pressure to win the Test as the WTC final berth is at stake. He though added that India need to bat well if they want to win the Boxing Day Test.

“India will have the best chance to win in Melbourne. There can be two spinners in Melbourne and Sydney. Australia is concerned about the possibility of missing out on the WTC final if they lose in Melbourne. Australia’s two matches against Sri Lanka won’t be easy. If the batters make the same mistakes as in Brisbane and Adelaide, then India will be in trouble,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.

Meanwhile, India added Tanush Kotian to the squad for the remaining two Tests as a replacement for R Ashwin who retired from international cricket after the third Test at Gabba. Kotian, however, is unlikely to get a game. If there is a need to play an extra spinner, Washington Sundar should be the preferred choice.

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