IND vs AUS: Australia announce playing XI for fifth Test against India

Captain Pat Cummins confirmed the lineup for the New Year’s Test, announcing that all-rounder Beau Webster will make his debut against India in Sydney. Webster becomes the 469th player to represent Australia in Test cricket.  

Mitchell Marsh has been dropped from Australia’s playing XI for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after scoring only 73 runs in the series at an average of 10.42.

On the other hand, fast bowler Mitchell Starc, despite struggling with a rib injury, will play the Sydney Test.  

Speaking about Starc's inclusion, Cummins said, "Mitchell Starc was never going to miss this Test match."  

The final Test of the series is set to begin tomorrow 3rd January 2025 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Australia currently leads the five-match series 2-1.

Australia Playing XI: 

Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon