“India would take this” - Ravi Shastri makes huge prediction ahead of BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Former Team India coach Ravi Shastri has reckoned that the tourists are in the exact position where they needed to be ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Shastri believes it's going to be a 'cracking game' at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and that India have their nose ahead.

Team India won the opening Test in Perth by 295 runs but Australia bounced back with a 10-wicket victory in the following game in Adelaide. Although Australia had a massive upper hand in the third Test in Brisbane, India managed to eke out a draw, with showers playing a big part in the result.

Speaking to news.com.au, the 62-year-old said the first three Tests were going to be the toughest for India and that they would be happy with the series leveled at 1-1 ahead of the Boxing Day contest.

"I think it’s going to be a cracking game. I think India would take this, the way the series is poised. Any overseas team being 1-1, especially with the games being in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, they would take this. Going 1-1 into Boxing Day is the best case scenario. I would say India have their nose ahead," Shastri said.

The visitors' pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been instrumental in keeping India in the series, picking up 21 wickets in three Tests at 10.90, including two fifers.

"It’s been a long time since I’ve seen an Australian line-up where the top order is that brittle" - Ravi Shastri

Aussie opener Usman Khawaja is under pressure to deliver. (Credits: Getty)

Shastri gave his views on Australia's Sam Konstas, opining that he can put the opposition under pressure and be their future star. The former India all-rounder said in the same interview:

"I think it’s been pretty brittle. When you look at this Australian line-up, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen an Australian line-up where the top order is that brittle. India have exploited that and continue to exploit it. As far as Konstas goes, I think he’s very refreshing. He’s got flair, he’s got flamboyance. But Test cricket is Test cricket. I think his technique will tighten up and he will be the future for Australia."

Team India will also take confidence from winning the last two Boxing Day Tests.