NEW DELHI: The fourth Test between India and Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) marks a crucial juncture in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).
Both teams find themselves grappling with similar challenges: batting inconsistencies, an aging core, and questions over the effectiveness of recent changes.
For India, Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected retirement casts a long shadow, while for Australia, the struggles of their top-order raise alarm bells.
The match, steeped in history and pressure, isn’t just about winning or losing; it’s about rediscovering momentum.
The stage is set for a battle of wits and resilience, promising fans another memorable chapter in the storied rivalry.
And it couldn’t have come at a more fitting setting than the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
What is the Boxing Day Test?
The Boxing Day Test is cricket’s grand spectacle, played annually at the MCG starting December 26. The event originates from the tradition of ‘Boxing Day’, a holiday historically observed in Commonwealth nations as a day for giving back to service staff post-Christmas.
In modern Australia, it’s synonymous with world-class cricket and festive fervour.
The prestigious fixture serves as the centrepiece of the Australian cricket calendar, with the MCG becoming a cauldron of action, drama, and roaring crowds.
International teams cherish the chance to feature in this match, as it blends the sport’s rich tradition with unparalleled fanfare. From record-breaking performances to legendary rivalries, the Boxing Day Test holds a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
India’s Record in Boxing Day Tests
Team India has a mixed bag of performances in Boxing Day Tests at the MCG.
In 14 matches, India have won four, lost eight, and drawn two.
One of the standout moments came in 2020 when Ajinkya Rahane led India to a resounding eight-wicket victory after the team was reeling from its historic low of 36 all-out in Adelaide just days earlier.
Rahane’s century (112) in the first innings stood out. Complementing his efforts, India’s bowlers delivered a collective masterclass to contain Australia.
That triumph, amid injuries and absences of key players, remains one of India’s finest cricketing tales.
India’s form in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 24/25
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) approaches its fourth Test, both India and Australia are grappling with batting vulnerabilities, intensifying the stakes of the Boxing Day match.
India began the series strong with a dominant 295-run victory in Perth, thanks to a brilliant 487/6 declared in their second innings. However, the tables turned in the day-night Test in Adelaide, where India capitulated to a 10-wicket loss.
The Brisbane Test further exposed the inconsistency, with both sides settling for a rain-hit draw.
Meanwhile, senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are under scrutiny for their sporadic performances, while young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have struggled to capitalise on opportunities. Encouragingly, KL Rahul’s steady form provides hope, but India’s batting and overreliance on Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling remain glaring concerns.
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