Australia vs India 2018: 3rd Test Match, MCG - Australia's Predicted Playing XI

Australia won the second Test match at Perth by 146 runs to make a solid comeback in the four-match series. The hosts will like to carry the impetus in the third Test match set to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from 26 December. Both the teams have had a good break and would be fresh to lock horns once again. We try to decode Australia’ Predicted Playing XI for the third Test match.

Meanwhile, Australia has named the same 13-man squad for the remaining two Test matches. The hosts were able to tick the right boxes in the second match and would aim to repeat their performance. Aaron Finch had injured his finger on the bouncy Perth pitch. However, Finch is expected to play despite the injury.

Nathan Lyon came with a fine bowling performance and scalped eight wickets to push India on the backfoot. Furthermore, it was a collective batting effort from the Australian team as Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja got amongst the runs. Thus, it is a positive sign for the team.

Here is Australia’s Predicted Playing XI for the third Test match:

Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch had shown the great technique in the second Test match when he played a gutsy knock of 51 runs in the first innings. However, Finch had to bear a blow to right-hand finger in the second dig. It will be interesting to see how Finch will come up with the injury.

Marcus Harris

The southpaw opener has looked good since he has made his debut. He looks like an organised player who has a compact technique. Harris had scored 70 in the first innings and would look to carry on the same form.

Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja had got amongst the runs in the second innings of the second Test. Thus, it is a good sign for Australia that the southpaw batsman has got back into his form.

Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh is once again to hold the key as the left-hander will like to deliver his best. The southpaw batsman has got off to starts and would like to convert them into substantial scores.

Australia will like to keep the impetus.

Travis Head

Travis Head has scored two fifties in the ongoing series. Hence, the left-hander will like to continue with his good form against the Indian team. Head has shown the good technique in the recent past.

Mitchell Marsh

Peter Handscomb isn’t in the best of forms as he has let the team down with his dismal performance. Ergo, it makes sense to get in the services of Mitchell Marsh who can deliver with both bat and ball.

Tim Paine

Tim Paine had led with aplomb in the second Test match. Furthermore, the right-hander had played two crucial knocks in both the innings of the game.

Pat Cummins 

Pat Cummins had scalped three wickets in the previous match. In fact, Cummins has shown a great technique with the bat and would look to continue with his form.

Mitchell Starc

Pacer Mitchell Starc had made a roaring comeback in the Perth Test match. Australia’s premier fast bowler will aim to hit the straps in the third Test match at Melbourne.

Nathan Lyon

The veteran Nathan Lyon was a big difference between the two sides in Perth. The talisman off-spinner had scalped eight wickets in the previous match to push the visitors on the backfoot.

Josh Hazlewood

Australia’s vice-captain has been accurate with his line and length. Hazlewood has asked the right questions from the Indian batsmen and would aim to deliver the goods.