India v Australia 4th Test betting tips & odds – March 9-13, 2023

The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series kicks off this Thursday with India hosting Australia at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The Aussies will be coming into the final Test of the series on a high, knowing they not only have a chance to tie this series, but have booked their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval in June. India, meanwhile, need to win this fourth Test in order to secure their place in the WTC decider.

This raises many questions about the type of pitch Indian captain Rohit Sharma will ‘request’ in Ahmedabad. Prior to the third Test, the Indian opener told the media the Ahmedabad wicket may be greener to assist in preparations for the WTC final.

Should that be the case, Australia will be a great value bet. The 11 will likely consist of Mitchell Starc, cult hero Scott Boland and Cameron Green, while there could be a Test debut for West Australian fast bowler Lance ‘The Wild Thing’ Morris. Look for the team announcement at the toss, as well as the final inspection of the wicket, as Australia could represent incredible value at $3.60 with BetOnline.

If the pitch offers something for the seamers, Marnus Labuschagne’s skill as the No.1 Test batter in the world will come to the fore. Not only is Labuschagne a brilliant stroke-player who loves batting for long periods of time, he has brilliant off-stump awareness. With the pacemen doing more work, it will allow Labuschagne to leave more balls, bat with more patience, and ultimately score more runs to lead the Australian batting order in the first innings ($4).

Scott Boland has earned cult-figure status in Australia after a near-perfect beginning to his Test career. The Victorian quick famously took six wickets for just seven runs in the 2021 Boxing Day Test at the MCG. That wicket offered plenty of movement both off the seam and through the natural variation that Boland has. A greener wicket in Ahmedabad would play right into the hands of the 33-year-old, who can bowl longer spells with consistent line and length that will test the Indian batters after three matches on dry, spin-friendly decks. Look for Boland to lead the Aussies in their first innings with the ball ($6).

Key matchup: Steve Smith v Virat Kohli

This is one of the great batting matchups of all time. The pair sit behind Don Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar as the best their respective nations have produced. There is an enormous amount on the line for both teams in terms of WTC points, world Test rankings, and sheer pride. Steve Smith will be determined as ever to lead his country to another win on Indian soil, while Virat Kohli will be hell-bent on lifting India to the WTC final. Sit back and enjoy watching two masters at the crease.

India v Australia 4th Test prediction

Australia top runscorer (first innings)

Australia top wicket-taker (first innings)

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