Australia and India Prepare for Decisive SCG Test Amid Team Challenges

Australia eyes Border-Gavaskar Trophy win as India faces internal rifts and leadership scrutiny following Melbourne defeat.

Australia leads the Border-Gavaskar series 2-1 and needs a win or draw in the fifth Test to reclaim the trophy for the first time in a decade.
Mitchell Starc, battling rib soreness, is expected to play, while Mitch Marsh is likely to retain his spot despite poor recent performances.
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly clashed with selectors over Cheteshwar Pujara's exclusion and criticized players after a collapse in the Melbourne Test.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma faces mounting pressure over poor form and questions about his future as Test captain, with Jasprit Bumrah emerging as a potential successor.
Victory at the SCG would secure Australia’s spot in the World Test Championship final, while India’s qualification chances are nearly extinguished following recent losses.