IND vs AUS: Australia announced their playing XI a day before the Sydney Test. Australia announced their playing XI for the last and 5th Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which does not include Mitchell Marsh. In place of Marsh, 31-year-old dashing all-rounder Beau Webster has been given a chance in the playing XI for the first time. Webster will be seen making his Test debut against India in the Sydney Test. Meanwhile, a big revelation has also been made about India's playing XI. Team India's head coach has given big information about the playing XI of the Indian team. According to the head coach, fast bowler Akash Deep will not be able to play in the Sydney Test.

India's fast bowler Akash Deep was on Thursday ruled out of the fifth and final Test against Australia starting on January 3 due to back stiffness. Akash was part of the playing XI in the Brisbane and Melbourne Tests and took five wickets. He was a bit unlucky as several catches were dropped off his bowling during these two Test matches. 

Head coach confirmed

India's coach Gautam Gambhir said in the press conference before the Sydney Test match that Akash Deep is out due to back problem. He said that the playing XI will be decided after looking at the pitch. The 28-year-old right-arm fast bowler bowled a total of 87.5 overs in two Test matches and that may be the reason for his back trouble. Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna can be included in the playing XI in place of Akash. India is trailing 1-2 in the five-match series and to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, it has to win the fifth and final match at any cost. Now it will be interesting to see which bowler gets a chance in Team India's playing XI in the last Test.

Australia's playing XI for the fifth Test against India: Sam Constastas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.