Boxing Day Test: India vs Australia – A Historic Rivalry

The Boxing DAY Test, India vs Australia, will start on December 26, at Melbourne Cricket Ground, India has won 4 times in MCG, and has a special cricketing tradition. When it features India vs Australia.

History of Boxing Day Tests

In 1968, the first match was played 11 against England, 9 against India, 7 against West Indies, 6 against South Africa, 5 against Pakistan, 3 against New Zealand, and 2 against Sri Lanka. England won most 4, followed by India 2, South Africa and West Indies each one.

For India, the Boxing Day Test has been some unforgettable moments. 2018 and 2020 India won the both matches under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane.

India’s Memorable Test Victories in Australia: 2018 and 2020

India’s Test victories against Australia in 2018 and 2020 stand out as iconic moments in cricket history, showcasing resilience, teamwork, and individual brilliance. Let’s revisit the scorecards and key highlights of these unforgettable matches.

2018 Melbourne Test: India Triumphs by 137 Runs

In the 2018 Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, India set the tone with a commanding first innings total of 443 for 7 declared. Cheteshwar Pujara was the star of the innings, scoring a patient 106 runs, supported by Virat Kohli’s 82 and Rohit Sharma’s 63. Mayank Agarwal, on debut, contributed a solid 76 at the top of the order. India benefited from 31 extras, including 15 byes and 14 leg byes. Australia’s bowlers toiled hard, with Pat Cummins claiming 3 wickets for 72 runs, while Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood picked up a wicket each.

Australia’s response was underwhelming, as they were bowled out for 151 in 66.5 overs. Jasprit Bumrah led the charge with career-best figures of 6 for 33, supported by Ravindra Jadeja’s 2 for 45. Marcus Harris (22) and Tim Paine (22) were the top scorers for the hosts.

In the second innings, India declared at 106 for 8, setting Australia a target of 399 runs. Mayank Agarwal top-scored again with 42 runs, while Pat Cummins wreaked havoc with the ball, taking 6 wickets for just 27 runs. Australia’s chase ended at 261, falling short by 137 runs. Pat Cummins fought valiantly with the bat, scoring 63, but Jasprit Bumrah (3 for 53) and Ravindra Jadeja (3 for 82) sealed the win. Bumrah was named Player of the Match for his nine-wicket haul, marking a defining performance in his career.

2020 Melbourne Test: Rahane’s Captaincy Masterclass

The 2020 Melbourne Test is remembered for Ajinkya Rahane’s outstanding leadership and century, guiding India to an eight-wicket victory after the debacle in Adelaide. Australia batted first and were dismissed for 195 runs. Marnus Labuschagne (48) and Matthew Wade (30) were the main contributors. India’s bowlers were relentless, with Jasprit Bumrah taking 4 for 56, Ravichandran Ashwin 3 for 35, and debutant Mohammed Siraj picking up 2 for 40.

India’s reply was solid, posting 326 runs. Ajinkya Rahane led from the front with a superb 112, supported by Shubman Gill’s 45 and Ravindra Jadeja’s 57. India’s innings was built on partnerships and patience, despite losing Mayank Agarwal for a duck early on. Mitchell Starc took 3 for 78, and Nathan Lyon picked up 3 for 72 for Australia.

In their second innings, Australia managed 200 runs. Cameron Green top-scored with 45, but India’s bowlers ensured the target remained modest. Mohammed Siraj impressed with 3 for 37, while Bumrah, Ashwin, and Jadeja shared two wickets each. India chased down the target of 70 runs comfortably, finishing at 72 for 2 in just 15.5 overs. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 35, and Rahane added an assured 27 not out to guide the team home.

Rahane was deservedly awarded Player of the Match for his century and calm leadership that revived India’s fortunes in the series. These two Melbourne wins are etched in cricketing folklore as symbols of India’s fighting spirit on foreign soil.

Big challenge for Rohit Sharma

Rohit as captain this big challenge for him in the last 2 boxing day test matches India won will be pressure on him. Even though he is out of form even struggling with knee pain during net practice.

Even Travis Head facing the injuries doubt playing a boxing day match.

India and Australia will go with the same lineup.