Melbourne weather forecast December 26: What are the chances of rain on Day 1 of 4th BGT 2024-25 Test?

After a brief spell of rain in the third Test between India and Australia, the action shifts to the Boxing Day match in Melbourne, which starts on Thursday, December 26. The rain might play a part again in the fourth Test but there is some good news for fans as the weather looks clear on Day 1.

As per BBC, there is zero percent chance of rain on Day 1 (Thursday). The temperature is likely to hover around 28 to 37 degrees Celsius with sunny intervals and a moderate breeze but the real feel will be between 29 to 36 degrees Celsius.

However, there is a 10 to 72 percent chance of rain from 6 pm local time to midnight, which might affect Day 2 proceedings in Melbourne.

BBC weather forecast for Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. (Image Credit: BBC)

It's worth mentioning that rain affected the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Only 218.1 overs were possible out of 450 (90 overs every day).

Ahead of the series, erstwhile Australia skipper Ricky Ponting had predicted that rain would force a draw in one of the five-match Test series.

He said while backing Australia to win the series (via ICC):

"There will be a draw somewhere and there will be some bad weather somewhere, so I'm going to say 3-1 to Australia."

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“India have their nose ahead” – Ravi Shastri backs India to deliver in Melbourne

With the series tied 1-1, the former India head coach Ravi Shastri has backed the visitors to deliver against the Aussies in Melbourne.

He recently told news.com.au:

"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.”

Meanwhile, Australia have announced their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test with Sam Konstas set to make his debut. Konstas replaced Nathan McSweeney (dropped), while the injured pacer Josh Hazlewood made way for Scott Boland.

Australia's playing XI for the fourth Test: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland

On the other hand, Rohit Sharma and company didn’t reveal their playing XI. Cheteshwar Pujara, who has won two consecutive Test series in Australia, has suggested a solitary change for the tourists.

He recently told ESPNcricinfo:

“We are lacking one bowler and India will have to add another bowler if possible and maybe try and reduce a batter. I don't know. I'm unable to find the right 11 at the moment because I don't see a lot of changes going into the next Test match.”

“I think the bowling lineup is something, which India needs to work on. I feel that (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Siraj and Akash Deep, they are doing a good job. (Ravindra) Jadeja and Nitish (Reddy) both have contributed well with the bat,” he added.

Click here to follow IND vs AUS 4th Test (in Melbourne) live score and updates.