SCG will play host to Thursday's Test Cricket game between Australia and India. The game kicks off at 10:30 am with Australia heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Australia vs. India game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Thursday January 7, 2021 at 10:30 am

Where: SCG

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Australia vs India Preview

Australia and India played out a draw when these two sides met in the 2019 New Year’s Test and it wouldn’t be surprising if things turned out to be just as close.

Australian selectors have already made the obvious decision by dropping Joe Burns, but it remains to be seen if David Warner and Will Pucovski will rejoin the team.

Warner’s inclusion would strengthen the top of the order and in all likelihood take some pressure off Marnus Labuschagne, but his fitness at time of publish still remains in some doubt.

Pucovski is largely an unknown as he prepares for his Test debut, but aside from the top of the order, the biggest problem for Australia heading into this Third Test is their fielding.

The Aussies dropped eight catches during the first innings in Melbourne that allowed India to put up an unmatchable total of 326 runs.

Similar mistakes won’t fly in Sydney, particularly with Ajinkya Rahane and the up and coming Shubman Gill really starting to find form.

Speaking of form, the Australians would welcome the return of the old Steve Smith following a couple of flat performances in Adelaide and Melbourne.

Smith has looked a little uncomfortable at the crease, but the good news is the world’s top batsman has averaged 74.5 runs during his career at the SCG, so maybe a turnaround is imminent.

None of that will matter though if the Indian bowling attack brings the same fire they showed in Melbourne over to Sydney.

As always, Jasprit Bumrah was phenomenal at the MCG picking up six wickets, while Mohammed Siraj also had five of his own.

A repeat performance from both would be enough to heap even more pressure on the Aussies, but there is a case to be made for Australia’s bowlers on the Sydney wicket.

While the Melbourne pitch has always been the source of scrutiny, the SCG pitch tends to favour Australia.

The Aussies haven’t lost at the SCG since their 83-run defeat to England back in 2011 and they have also won and drawn twice with India on this ground since.

Everyone expected the likes of Smith Cheteshwar Pujara to dominate this series on the run-friendly surfaces, but it’s fair to say bowling has been the key to winning so far.

If Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon can combine for some big numbers, the Aussies should bounce back.

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