India vs Australia 4th test: Day 5 live scores, highlights, analysis and talking points

Aidan Cellini

India vs Australia 4th test: Day 5 live scores, highlights, analysis and talking points image

India's fate has been decided for them, with New Zealand's win over Sri Lanka essentially booking them a spot in the WTC Final set to take place on June 7-11 in England.

With both India and Australia locked in at the crease, the result of a draw was likely as the batters had their way on the pitch at Ahmedabad.

This was the first time this series that the Test played out all five days, with fans getting used to the longer form being shortened.

India have retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy despite the Aussies' efforts.

The two countries will meet again at the World Test Championships (WTC) Final on June 7, played at The Oval in London.

The Sporting News had all the live scores, analysis and talking points throughout the day's play below.

India vs Australia 4th Test final scores 

AUSTRALIA (1st Innings) 

480

INDIA (1st Innings)

571

AUSTRALIA (2nd Innings)

175/2

Steve Smith 10* (59)

Marnus Labuschagne 63* (213)

MORE: All the big talking points from Day 4 at Ahmedabad

India vs Australia Day 5 talking points and analysis

Head auditions for opener going forward but just falls shy of century

Australian opener Travis Head has had a mixed bag of feelings during the Indian tour.

Kept out of the opening Test, Aussie selectors decided to go with Matt Renshaw instead of Head, who ironically made a duck and two runs across the three days.

However, the left-hand opener was brought in for the second Test in Delhi but was played out of position, coming in fifth in the first innings.

After making 12 runs, Head was bumped up to open the second innings and made a team-high 43 as Australia went down 2-0 in the series.

The Aussies responded in the third Test, winning the match by nine wickets with Head scoring nine and 49 (not out).

The 29-year-old then put his best foot forward for the upcoming Ashes series, hitting knocks of 32 and 90 in the final Test.

India books spot in WTC final 

Australia has already qualified for the WTC Final and await their opponent, which is between India and Sri Lanka.

🚨 BREAKING 🚨

INDIA HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP 2023 FINAL 🇮🇳💥

They will face Australia in the final at the Oval on 7-11 June. #AUSvIND #WTCFinal #CricketTwitter #India #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/ZdMJGrh7Tr

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) March 13, 2023

The equation is relatively simple for India: Win the fourth Test at Ahmedabad by bowling out and batting (if needed) on the final day or hope Sri Lanka lose to New Zealand.

The World Test Championship final is locked in! 🔒 pic.twitter.com/gp231vF3Ic

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 13, 2023

Fortunately for India, the work was done for them as the Kiwis stormed home to a victory in the Test at Hagley Oval, winning by two wickets.

Khawaja's injury

Usman Khawaja pulled himself from the field toward the end of play on day four, indicating an issue with his left leg.

Khawaja - who usually opens for Australia - was unable to come to the crease for the last six overs of the day, with the visitors sending out Matthew Kuhnemann with Travis Head.

Early in the final day of the Test at Ahmedabad, Kuhnemann was dismissed by Ravi Ashwin, to which Marnus Labuschagne replaced him at the crease.

A team spokesperson touched on Khawaja's injury, which looks to be worse then first thought.

“He has soreness in his left lower leg, just below the knee on the outside of the lower leg. Will be assessed again at the ground,” a team spokesman said, according to News Corp.

“He did have a (MRI) scan, which is standard procedure. The imaging did not reveal anything conclusive.”

Khawaja is reportedly trying his luck in the nets to see if he can play.

India vs Australia 4th Test confirmed lineups

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Peter Handscomb, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj

What time does India vs Australia start?

All four Test matches will begin at 3pm AEDT and 9.30am IST. 

How to watch or live stream India vs Australia

Fox Cricket will broadcast each game live and exclusive in Australia, while Star Sports holds the rights to the series in India. 

  Australia India
TV Channel Fox Cricket Star Sports
Live Stream Foxtel Go/Kayo Sports Disney+ Hotstar

Aidan Cellini

Aidan Cellini Photo

Aidan has surrounded himself with all types of sport, but resonates most with AFL and basketball as he still plays both competitively. He loves being active and enjoys sharing sporting moments with friends and family.

In his spare time, Aidan likes to read biographies as well as keep active and healthy. He's also a big fan of Matthew McConaughey and Marvel movies.