Melbourne: Three tests completed, two remaining. And that’s the score that team leadership on both sides will be key to following. The workload has already claimed Josh Hazlewood, and his absence led to the shock retirement of R Ashwin.

But on December 26, the focus will be on cricket. Both teams have had a chance to see what works and what doesn’t, and now, if ever, will be the time to make changes.

In this regard, Australia has already taken action. The hosts dropped flyhalf Nathan McSweeney and brought in exciting young talent Sam Konstas. Fast bowlers Jhye Richardson and Sean Abbott have also joined the squad, while all-rounder Beau Webster, who was added ahead of the second Test in Adelaide, retains his place.

Konstas’ decision stemmed from the fact that their top order struggled to put pressure back on the Indians. McSweeney, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne were far too passive.

Konstas, on the other hand, had enjoyed a scintillating century against the Indians in the tour match in Canberra. His 107 from 97 balls showed exactly the kind of intent that the Australian team would also like to see in their Test team. This would also be more in line with the role David Warner played for them. All of this, of course, depends on whether the Australians decide to play the 19-year-old.

“Arguably the way our top three have played has been reasonably similar, and we would like to be able to throw something different at India based on that,” Australian selection committee chairman George Bailey.

“If you look broader, I don’t necessarily think the top six has performed to the level we need in this series as a whole.

“I think Sam’s method and style is different from Nathan’s…should we go that route. And again different from Beau (Webster) and Josh (Inglis) as other batting options on this (team). We think they will give a different look and a different lineup to the eleven on Boxing Day.

The Indian team had a day off on Friday, but they have scheduled three test sessions before the Boxing Day Test, which will be an opportunity for them to test whether they want to turn things around or not.

Barring KL Rahul, the top order is struggling. Yashasvi Jaiswal seems to be in an all or nothing phase. Shubman Gill only averages 20, Virat Kohli (despite his century) only averages 31.55, Rishabh Pant hasn’t made a mark and averages 19.20, and skipper Rohit Sharma has an average of 6.33 so far.

India won’t be bringing in any new homegrown talent, but perhaps their form in the nets could be a clue. Akash Deep has been impressive ahead of the Adelaide Test, and the decision to play him in Brisbane was a good one. They also brought in Ravindra Jadeja (a move that at least paid off on the batting front) ahead of R Ashwin. But will they show the same courage when it comes to striking?

At some point, the selectors and team management must send a message to the non-performers. Name and fame won’t get you far.

India need experience from senior players, but that is not all they need. Rahul’s performances are huge indicators for all the other batters in this team, and they really need to adopt his approach.

While the Australian top order was too austere, the Indians were far too aggressive. The lack of balance hurt both teams. But now they must find the final piece of the puzzle.

There’s a series on the line, and no one knows it better than the players in the industry.