A look at India's record at Sydney Cricket Ground

Having lost back-to-back Border-Gavaskar Trophies at home, Australia have a real chance of breaking the losing streak, this time around. They have taken a 2-1 lead with one match left to be played. After beating India by 184 runs in Melbourne, the two teams now head to play the final Test of the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

For India, it’s a do-or-die game, not only in the BGT series but also to remain in contention for the World Test Championship final. A defeat or a draw would mean that their hopes of making it into the final will be shattered. Heading into the final Test, there have been a lot of talks surrounding the rift in the dressing room. And, if reports are to be believed, Rohit Sharma is set to rest for the final Test, while Jasprit Bumrah, is, once again, likely to lead the team. Nevertheless, let's have a look at some of the important records conerning team India at Sydney Cricket Ground. 

How has India performed at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Test Cricket? 

If you look at India’s performance at the SCG, there isn’t anything to feel confident about. India have played 13 Tests against Australia in Sydney and emerged victorious only once. 

Their only Test win came in January 1978 on their 1977-78 tour. Under the leadership of Bishan Singh Bedi, the Indian team won the game by an innings and 2 runs. However, post that, the Indian team hasn't been able to beat the Aussies once in all these years. 

Australia, on the other hand, have managed to beat India five times at this ground. The remaining seven Tests, though, have ended in draws. 

Matches Played: 13 

Australia won: 5 

India won: 1 

Matches Drawn: 7

What happened when India last played a Test at Sydney Cricket Ground? 

Under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, India last played a Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on the 2020/21 tour. Batting first, Australia posted a formidable score of 338 runs in 105.4 overs. In reply, India were bundled out for 244 runs with Pujara and Gill scoring respective half-centuries. 

Following 131 in the first innings, Steve Smith played another stellar knock of 81 in the second innings as Australia posted 312 in their second essay, thereby setting a target of 407 runs to win. India, however, didn't bow down and batted exceptionally well to end the game in a draw. Riding on stunning knocks from Cheteshwar Pujara (77) and Rishabh Pant (97), India managed to score 334 for 6 before both teams shook hands as the game resulted in a draw. 

Top Three Indian batters with most Test runs at Sydney Cricket Ground: 

As far as Indian batsmen are concerned, Sachin Tendulkar tops the list with most Test runs at SCG. He has 785 runs in five Tests at an average of 61.13. VVS Laxman is second in the list with 549 runs in four Tests, followed by 320 runs in two Tests. India’s wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant also has an outstanding record. He is fifth in the list with 292 runs in two Tests at 78.07. 

Top Three Indian bowlers with most Test runs at Sydney Cricket Ground: 

India’s legendary spinner, Anil Kumble has the most wickets to his name at Sydney Cricket Ground in Tests. In just 3 Tests, he picked 20 wickets. At number two is EAS Prasanna with 12 wickets, followed by Ravi Shastri with 10 wickets. 

India’s predicted playing XI for the fifth Test

Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma is likely to be rested for the fifth Test, which means that Shubman Gill will be slotted in. He should bat at three, while KL Rahul will move back to open the innings. Also, Akash Deep has been ruled out of the final Test due to injury and Harshit Rana is due to replace him. 

India’s playing XI

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, M Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah (c)