MCG will play host to Saturday's Test Cricket game between Australia and India. The game kicks off at 10:30 am with Australia heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Australia vs. India game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday December 26, 2020 at 10:30 am
Where: MCG
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Australia vs India Odds
Australia vs India Preview
India’s capitulation last Saturday has not surprisingly left the visitors as heavy $5.50 underdogs heading into the Boxing Day Test.
With a win seemingly in their grasp, India managed only 36 runs in the second innings as the Aussies bulldozed their way to one of the most remarkable victories in Test cricket history.
As if recovering from such a huge mental collapse wasn’t difficult enough, the Indians will now need to go about their business without captain Virat Kohli, who has returned back home for the birth of his child.
Kohli’s absence can’t be overstated, but the Australians do have some questions of their own to answer.
While Josh Hazlewood’s heroics were admirable, it’s difficult to forget Australia was largely on the back foot for most of the First Test as the top of the order left selectors with egg on their face.
If it wasn’t for a complete blunder from Ajinkya Rahane, Kohli probably would have made triple figures, not to mention Australia’s own problems with the bat that has cast further doubt over the top of the order.
The Adelaide wicket was largely to blame for both sides failing at certain points, so you have to imagine we should see the likes of Steve Smith and Mayank Agarwal finish with much higher totals.
To state the obvious, India is obviously at a serious disadvantage without Kohli, but that isn’t to say the bowling attack can’t carry the load.
Australia’s lack of depth leaves them vulnerable at the top of the order, so if Matthew Wade or Smith fail to fire again, this could turn out to be much closer than the odds suggest.
By the same token, the Aussie bowling attack is hands down the best in the world and it is difficult to see them not carrying some serious confidence into Melbourne.
The MCG pitch has been notoriously poor in recent years, but it’s highly doubtful we see the ball edged quite like we did in Adelaide.
A lot would have to go right for India to pull off an upset, while the Aussies likely only need to rely on some brilliance from Pat Cummins and Hazlewood and a couple of high totals from Marnus Labuschagne, Smith, or even Tim Paine to gain a 2-0 series advantage.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Australia to win at $3.50 odds.
Man of the match:
Man of the match: Steven Smith at $6.00.