Australia vs India 2018-19: Previewing the 3rd Test in Melbourne

Australia's perspective

Australia would bank on their strong Boxing Day record against visitors.

Australia have never lost in a Boxing Day Test against India. Their previous record at MCG against all opponents will certainly boost their confidence even further, as in 19 Test matches, they have won 15 and lost just two.

The MCG has been no less than a fortress for the hosts, and it won't be an easy task to beat them here.

Batting

Travis Head with 163 runs has been the leading run scorer for Australia in the series so far including a couple of half-centuries, and the team will need him to replicate his form in the Boxing Day Test. Marcus Harris, who cracked a 70 at Perth, will bear the onus with Aaron Finch to get his team off to a strong start.

Skipper Tim Paine and Usman Khawaja are other two dependable batsmen, with the ability to change the path of the game on its head. The skipper has been in decent form this series, while Khawaja with a century and two fifties in three Tests at the MCG can be a nightmare for the visiting side.

Bowling

Nathan Lyon has been the top performer with the ball for the Aussies with 16 wickets, and he will continue to be a major threat to the Indian batsmen in the upcoming Test as well. Meanwhile Mitchell Starc took a five-for at Perth and seems to found his rhythm back. He along with Josh Hazlewood, who has snared eight wickets in two outings. are expected to trouble the visitors with the new ball.

Apart from these two, the hosts would need Pat Cummins to take a few wickets and rattle the Indian top order early on.

Expected Playing XI

Tim Paine (C & W), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Aaron Finch, Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb and Travis Head.