India host Australia in the final Test of the four-match series at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCA) in Dharamsala from 25 March.
With the series level at 1-1, a position that the home team would have never expected to be in after their dominance at home this season, neither of the two teams will want to end up on the losing side at the end of what has been a fascinating contest between two top-quality cricketing sides.
Australia have the slender edge going into the final Test as they gained some momentum by denying India a win on the fifth day of the third Test, thanks to Peter Handscomb and Shaun Marsh who survived for long hours and ensured a draw
India might as well be without skipper Virat Kohli as the out-of-form batsman reportedly revealed earlier today that he has not fully recovered from a shoulder injury and that he will not play the fourth Test if he is not 100% fit. While the Indian captain has not been a prolific run-scorer in this series, his influence in the middle is vital and India will be deflated if they miss their leader.
Meanwhile, with the pitch in Dharamsala, hosting its first ever Test match, expected to offer bounce and carry, it will be interesting to see the team composition of both teams, which has prefered spinners so far. While Australia will be tempted to include Tasmanian Jackson Bird, the hosts will be evaluating Mohammed Shami's fitness before they take a call on including a third pacer.
While India will look to maintain their domination at home with a win in Dharamsala, Australia would want to make amends for their 3-0 whitewash in Sri Lanka last year. A lot to play for and look forward to!
TV Schedule
Malaysia: Astro Cricket
India: Star Sports 1, 3
Australia: Fox Sports
New Zealand: Sky Sport
UK: Sky Sports 2
US: Willow TV
South Africa: Supersport
Middle East: OSN Sports
Team News
India
Possible XI: Kohli (c), Rahul, Vijay, Pujara, Rahane, Saha (wk), Ashwin, Jadeja, Nair, Ishant, Yadav
Australia
Possible XI: Smith (c), Warner, Renshaw, S Marsh, Handscomb, Maxwell, Wade (wk), Lyon, Bird, Cummins, Hazlewood
