"I would say India have...": Ravi Shastri's bold prediction ahead of MCG Test

Former Team India coach Ravi Shastri believes that the Rohit Sharma-led team is in a strong position heading into the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Ravi Shastri predicted an exciting match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), stating that the Men in Blue would be pleased with the series tied 1-1.

Team India won the first Test in Perth by 295 runs but lost the second in Adelaide by 10 wickets. Australia had the upper hand in the third Test in Brisbane, but India managed to draw, due to rain. With the series tied 1-1, India, led by Rohit Sharma, will aim to win the fourth Test in Melbourne to take a 2-1 lead.

I Think It’s Going to Be a Cracking Game - Ravi Shastri

Speaking to news.com.au, Ravi Shastri said that the first three Tests of the series were the toughest for India. He stated that any overseas team would be happy with a 1-1 scoreline heading into the final Tests. Shastri feels India has a slight advantage going into the Boxing Day Test.

"I think it’s going to be a cracking game. I think India would take this, the way the series is poised. Any overseas team being 1-1, especially with the games being in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, they would take this. Going 1-1 into Boxing Day is the best case scenario. I would say India have their nose ahead," Shastri said.

A win in the fourth Test will not only give India a lead in the series but also improve their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has played a crucial role for India, taking 21 wickets at an average of 10.90 across three Tests, including two five-wicket hauls.

India Has Exploited Australia's Brittle Top Order and Will Continue to Do So - Ravi Shastri

The 62-year-old stated it has been a long time since he has seen such a brittle Australian lineup. He noted that India has capitalized on this weakness and will continue to do so. Shastri also praised Australian player Sam Konstas, describing him as a refreshing talent with flair and flamboyance.

"I think it’s been pretty brittle. When you look at this Australian line-up, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen an Australian line-up where the top order is that brittle. India have exploited that and continue to exploit it. As far as Konstas goes, I think he’s very refreshing. He’s got flair, he’s got flamboyance. But Test cricket is Test cricket. I think his technique will tighten up and he will be the future for Australia," Ravi Shastri said in the same interview.

Australia's top order has struggled in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Nathan McSweeney was dropped after scoring just 72 runs at an average of 14.40. Usman Khawaja has managed only 63 runs in six innings.

After a solid fifty in Adelaide, Marnus Labuschagne scored only 13 in the third Test at The Gabba. With pressure mounting, both Khawaja and Labuschagne will need to perform in the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

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